In the 17th century, Sedan chairs were popular with the ladies but Parliament tried, unsuccessfully, to restrict the number of coaches in London, fearing that there were not enough horses for the army.

However, in 1625, Hackney coaches, “Hackney Hell Carts”, were available for hire in London and by 1634, it was estimated that there were 6000 coaches in the City.

The watermen, who carried passengers up and down the river, objected to the ferries and persuaded parliament to limit the number of Hackney coaches to 50 in 1637, to 300 in 1654 and to 400 in 1662.

Despite these measures, there was more than enough trade for all the coaches, sedan chairs, and watermen in an expanding economy in London.

"The History of the London Horse Cab" by Trevor Hill describes the history and development of the cab from its apearance in the 1820's tp its final demise during World War II.

Though lacking in the detaied drawings needed for model making, the book contains a mass of fascinating information about versions of the Hansom that preceded the final and best known version, "The Folder". Early designs positioned the driver in front of, alongside and on top of the passenger compartment and would present a formidable challenge for the model maker.

The Forder benefitted from the introduction of rubber tyres. These not only made for a quicker, smoother ride, but meant that the wheels lasted three times as long as those shod with iron hops.

Further information can also be gleaned from "Victorian and Edwardian Horse Cabs" by Trevor May (Published by Shire Books).

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