The last of 13 surviving green cab shelters, providing rest and refreshment for generations of London drivers, has been listed by Historic England in recognition of its architectural and historic significance. It was published.
The wooden shelters were built by the Taxi Drivers’ Shelter Fund after 1875, when taxis were pulled by horses. Many cars had rails fixed to the outside, allowing taxi drivers to refuel with hearty meals and gossip with fellow drivers while tethering their horses. .
More than 60 were built across London between 1875 and 1950, of which 13 still exist. All are currently protected by Grade II listed status on the advice of Historic England.
Luke Jacob, the public body’s listing adviser, said: “London’s favorite motorists’ shelter, full of intrigue, history and tea and bacon sarnies, is a unique relic of the capital’s horse-drawn carriage days.” “Originally he was built in 1875 for London’s handsome taxi drivers, and continues to serve both passersby and taxi drivers today.”
The idea for the shelter came from Captain George Armstrong, editor of the Globe newspaper, after he was unable to catch a taxi during the storm because all the drivers had taken shelter in local pubs. .
Victorian taxi drivers were prohibited by law from leaving their cabs unattended while on duty. During their shifts, they had no shelter from the elements, access to hot food, or anywhere to rest. This led many drivers to stop at pubs between fares and pay someone to watch their taxi, or risk theft.
Armstrong, along with the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury and other wealthy philanthropists, helped establish the Cavmen’s Shelter Fund. The first shelter was built outside Armstrong’s home in February 1875, at his Wood in St. John’s, north-west London.
Each shelter had a small kitchen and space for about 10 drivers to sit and eat. Gambling, drinking alcohol, and swearing were prohibited.
At its peak, there were thousands of handsome taxis in the capital. The last vehicle he stopped operating in 1947.
The distinctive dark green shelter still serves black taxi drivers. Only those who have passed a rigorous test on London’s streets and landmarks, known as ‘knowledge’, can sit inside, but some huts are offering takeaways to the public.
All 13 of the existing shelters were restored in a campaign by the London Heritage Trust in the 1980s and 1990s. The last shelter listed is also in St. John’s Wood, and his is probably one of the last built.
Shelters of the 1870s were simple in design, and some had wheels to allow them to be moved. Later they became more decorative, with perforated gables, lanterns, and decorative panels.
Nicola Stacey, director of the trust, said: “They are both unique London landmarks and an ingenious Victorian solution to frenetic streets. They remain a sanctuary for London’s taxi driver community.”
Colin Evans, who has been a licensed taxi driver for 50 years and is on the board of the Cabman’s Shelter Foundation, said: “We know how special shelters are, but this important part of our heritage “Now more than ever, we need the support of London’s taxi industry and the public to keep this place afloat.” And working class history lives on. ”
