The Autobiography of a Stage-coachman (1861)
Coachmen were amazing, skilled and intrepid travelers of the notoriously harrowing roads of the UK during the early 19th century. Here are a few interesting tidbits about coachmen and rules of the road:
- Most horses were ready to go almost immediately after being harnessed, making it precarious for coachmen, so that they had to have control of the reigns before mounting the box, and never drop the reigns while driving. They would typically use the right hand for reigns and the left for the whip (Quicksilver: A Hundred Years of Coaching, 1973).
- Coachmen had amazing skill, and the most dangerous parts of road to navigate were down hills. Most early coaches had no brake system, and so he must halt at the top of the hill to tie a rear wheel with a chain or skid pan. Uphill it was not uncommon for passengers to disembark to lighten the load (Quicksilver: A Hundred Years of Coaching, 1973).
- Many coachmen were responsible for their own “aprons” to help keep out the worst of the elements. When an apron was left or they did not have one, it could lead to treacherous conditions for the passengers (The New Sporting Magazine, Volume 2, Page 187, 1831).
- The roads were so treacherously filled with pot holes after major storms, that it was not uncommon for a coachman or outrider to be chucked from their box (An Old Coachman’s Chatter, 1891).
- Many coachmen carried some type of insurance, particularly in the late 19th century to protect against accidents (An Old Coachman’s Chatter, 1891).
more, want more about coachmen, and what were aprons? how many horses were usually hitched? what natures of coaches require what nature of drivers? how long did they have their careers? what was their social place? etc
I love this feedback, thanks for commenting! Part 2 coming soon…
in addition to the above question, what did coachmen wear? were there more public employed coachmen or private? Did the haute ton have provisions for their coachmen. You mention they were changed, how often? in so many books they just hang on for the duration of the travel, back and forth. my question above was submitted under Susan Alon, but my Alias, Miriam Green is mostly used. though regency is my period my bookshop and galleries cater to scholars books in all subjects, http://www.miriamgreen.com
Reg Rom is the most wonderful website. Just wish they had more categories for books. Banter, wit, gambling, rouge, horses, haute ton are my escape. thank Reg Rom for being here
Excellent questions! I sense a Part 3 for Coachmen in my feature.
Can you share more feedback about the book categories? We are working actively on overhauling the review section over the next few months and can make some of those additions. The Books by Plot are centered around tropes, but it sounds like you would like some tags for specific elements? I would love to learn a bit more what you are looking for!
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