Ask People to conjure up a scene of Victorian London and one of the images that come's most readily to mind is that of the Hansom cabs clattering along crowded cobbled streets. The Hansom cab was one of the principle means of transport for decades because of its twin virtues of stability and privacy. Although thought of as a London Cab, it was infact invented in Hinckley, Yorkshire
The famous architect Joseph Hansom was living in Hinckley when, in 1835, he drove the first prototype of his newly-invented cab along Coventry Road and the Watling Street. Although the later design of the cab was rather different from Hansom’s first attempt, the origins of the 19th century cab were firmly rooted in the Regent Street workshops. Hansom had a prolific career, designing BirminghamTown Hall, Plymouth Cathedral and many other churches, convents, schools and mansions; as well as bringing out the first edition of the "Builder" magazine. But it is for the cab bearing his name that he is best remembered for even though he never received a penny from his invention.
After selling the company, the new owners defaulted on the debt.
The present day London cab owes its origins to the old Thames water men who plied for hire as far back as the Anglo-Saxon times. The right to ply for hire on the river was granted by Royal Charter in the 12th century. During the reign of Elizabeth I, coaches were introduced which were drawn by "haquenee" horses. These were the first Hackney carriages. In 1643, Oliver Cromwell granted licenses for 200 hackney carriages to ply for hire in the streets of London. That was the birth of the licensed hackney cab. Over the years, the form and number of Hackney carriages changed. From horse drawn coaches in the 16th century to hansom cabs in the 19th, then the first and one of the only, electric-powered cabs in 1897. By 1903, when the first motor cabs appeared, there were 11,000 horse-drawn cabs in London. The last one was licensed in 1947.
Today, London counts approximately 20,000 black cabs with more than 24,000 cabbies. Whatever the colour and whatever the model, they still are black cabs. Although the FX4, first built in the Sixties, seems to be everyone's favourite. So much so that the new TX1 model has been built to look like it… like a genuine London cab! But the shape and form of the cab isn't the only thing that makes London taxis the best in the world - because that's what they are! -, their international success has a lot to do with the drivers too! In most cases, cabbies are the first persons visitors to London come across - the first thing they hear is something like "Where to, Guv'?". They are the ones who help tourists discover the capital and sometimes the last they see before leaving. As such, cabbies have a great part to play in how London is perceived in the rest of the world. They are the true representatives of the city and they leave a lasting impression - a good one, more often than not! "For a start, they know where they are going", said one New-Yorker, "which is rare where I come from!" It's no surprise when you consider that cabbies in London have to go through the very stringent "Knowledge" before they get the green and gold badge of their profession.
The Knowledge was introduced in 1851 and consists of a list of 400 runs through London that the would-be driver must learn. He/she must know the streets, squares, hotels, theatres, government and public buildings, railway and police stations, courts, places of worship…and the list goes on. If you need advice on where to go, never hesitate to ask. They know more about any place in London than anyone else. It takes two, sometimes three years of hard learning to have the privilege of becoming a fully-fledged London Taxi driver. Rain or shine, day or night, cabs criss-cross the capital in all directions, and you will always be happy to find one! Especially at night when it rains!!
London cabbies are like the living blood of the city, flowing through its busy arteries. They'll take you to places other cars cannot reach! And if you need someone with the finger on the pulse of London, look no further than that golden taxi sign... Raise your arm and shout: "TAXI!"
