In the heyday of the Cabmen's Shelters, a total of 61 of these were erected between 1875 and 1914. Now only 13 remain standing in London and are Grade two listed buildings. They were built as a place for cab drivers to rest and to get refreshment for a low cost. Those that remain today still operate under to these principles (but also serve the public). They were situated on public highways. In agreement with the police, these shelters were not built to be larger than a horse and cart, the measurement being approximately 13' x 6'. Shelters built later were sometimes constructed slightly larger than this. The shelters were situated in key positions, in a six mile radius of Charring Cross.
This photograph of a photograph was taken at the Russell Square shelter, where I was informed that it was taken outside Charing Cross Station on the Embankment.
The shelters themselves are Grade II listed buildings. A typical listing description of one (this description is for the Kensington Road shelter) reads as follows:-
Cabmen's shelter 1888. Timber framed, tongue and groove timber panels; felt clad timber roof; 7 bays by 3 bays; entrance to the centre of north side; windows to upper wall in second, fourth and sixth bays. Stump of fleche to roof. Decorative rafter ends to eaves.
Below is an architectural drawing of a typical shelter:
Cabmen's shelter 1888. Timber framed, tongue and groove timber panels; felt clad timber roof; 7 bays by 3 bays; entrance to the centre of north side; windows to upper wall in second, fourth and sixth bays. Stump of fleche to roof. Decorative rafter ends to eaves.
Below is an architectural drawing of a typical shelter:
There are variations to the basic pattern, as you will see further on in this blog.
Inside a shelter, the room was divided into two. One half was for cooking, and the other half with benches around the sides and narrow tables. In the middle of each shelter was a wood burner with a flue leading up to the vent at the top to carry off the smoke. I was told this by the lady who runs the Wellington Place shelter, and she also said that this would account for the each one having a chimney top. Below is an example of a shelter chimney top:
There were railings around the shelters that were intended for the tethering of the Hansom cab's horses. Some of these can still be seen today.
The upper panels between the windows are decorated with a pattern of holes that include a monogram CSF, standing for Cabmen Shelter Fund, which most shelters have. However, some shelters have either glass or wood in the top panels instead. Below is an example of a monogram:
There exists a set of rules for cabmen to follow whilst they are inside a shelter, below is a photograph of the list of rules that I took in the Wellington Place shelter:
Here is an interesting link that I have found of a cabmen's shelter in Whitehall from around 100 years ago:
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this introduction to the cabmen shelters of London. Next I shall be showing where the remaining shelters are in London, and then I will display the pictures that I have taken of each one. If you have any comments or information on the shelters that you think would be of interest, then please leave a comment below.
