The Hansom Cab

The Hansom Cab

The Hansom Cab is a type of horse-drawn carriage designed and patented in 1834 by Joseph Hansom, an architect from York. The vehicle was developed and tested by Hansom in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England. Originally called the Hansom safety cab, it is designed with the driver seated behind the passengers to give a clear view of the road. The Hansom Cab was a popular form of transport in 19th-century London, known for its speed and safety.

Design

The Hansom Cab was designed to be a safer and cheaper alternative to the hackney carriages used at the time. Its design placed the driver high and behind the passengers for better visibility, with the reins running over the roof. The cab itself was low to the ground, making it easy for passengers to get in and out. The cab was also designed with a low center of gravity, which made it less likely to tip over.

Popularity

The Hansom Cab quickly gained popularity in London and other cities in the United Kingdom. It was also widely used in other countries, including the United States and Australia. The cab was known for its speed, and its design made it safer than other types of carriages. The Hansom Cab remained a common sight on the streets of London until the early 20th century, when motorized taxis began to replace horse-drawn carriages.

Legacy

The Hansom Cab has left a lasting legacy and continues to be a symbol of Victorian London. It has been featured in numerous books, films, and television shows set in the period. The cab is also often associated with the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, who frequently used the cab in the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

See Also

• Horse-drawn vehicle
• Carriage
• Hackney carriage
• Sherlock Holmes

References

• Joseph Hansom
• Victorian era
• London
• 19th-century London

External Links

• Hansom Cab at the London Transport Museum
• Hansom Cab on the Victorian Web