Road vehicle, sedan chair

Sedan chair, believed to be London-made, c. 1775.

Sedan chairs were a fashionable mode of transport for the wealthy in 18th century London. Like modern taxis they could be hired at ranks or hailed in the street. There were ranks at Charing Cross and St James's Square.

Sedan chairs were in direct competition for custom with Hackney coaches. Travelling by sedan chair had the advantage that people could beat the traffic congestion by taking short cuts down narrow alleys and side streets inaccessible to larger vehicles. They could also be carried into people's houses.

Chairs were licenced by the Hackney Coach Office at Somerset House. They were given registration numbers which were usually displayed on the back. Fares were fixed, although passengers would often tip the chairmen extra to protect them from robbers. In 1760 it cost one shilling (5p) to travel one mile or less.

Sedan chairs were carried on poles at waist height by two chairmen. The chairmen had to be physically strong to carry the considerable weight. Chairs were usually covered by leather to protect them from the elements.

The leather was painted black to indicate that the chair was for public hire. This one also has an adjustable seat and a special compartment for the passenger's feet. This was designed for people suffering from gout. The chair originally had curtains for privacy.

Despite their advantages over Hackney coaches in terms of manoeuvrability, the popularity of sedan chairs declined in the 1790s as London expanded and people wanted to travel longer distances.