Unlike southern California, it sometimes rains in London. Back in Queen Victoria's day, an army captain came up with a novel solution to combat bad weather, and you can still see some of them today.
The army captain in question was one Captain George Armstrong. In 1874, he had just retired from the army and was then editor of the Globe newspaper -- now long defunct. As it was raining, he wanted to hire a cab and, although there were plenty of cabs, in line at the taxi rank, no drivers were visible.
After some searching, he discovered the drivers all together in a nearby bar. Now at that time, the temperance movement was very much to the fore and excessive consumption of alcohol was frowned upon. Victorian taxi drivers were notorious for being drunk, so it was perhaps a blessing the taxis of that era were horse drawn!
Let me say right away, the modern taxi driver has no such vice on duty, due to the very strict drinking and driving laws in force, which would result in immediate loss of the driver's licence.
In the Victorian era, the ethos of public service by private individuals was very much alive, so Captain Armstrong took it upon himself to organize better arrangements for the drivers. He thought it would be far better for the taxi drivers if they had their own dedicated shelters, close by the taxi ranks, with tables and chairs and a small kitchen. This would allow them to keep out of inclement weather, get a hot meal and -- more importantly avoid the temptations of the demon drink.
Thus was created the Cabman's Shelter Fund, which is still ongoing today. Between 1875 and 1914, a total of 61 shelters were built, at various points around London. 13 of those shelters still survive today and are in regular use by taxi drivers.
Built of wood and painted a dark green, they look reminiscent of the sort of potting shed you might find on a grand English country estate. 13 of these structures survive, mainly in the Kensington and Belgravia areas, which -- having always been some of the most salubrious areas of west London -- has always been a well taxied area.
If you visit that other splendid Victorian building, the Royal Albert Hall, named after Queen Victoria's beloved husband, you will see one of the shelters in nearby Thurloe Place.
Copyright 2007 Jon Michael and
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