Small governess cart, 1900-1930

Small two-wheeled wooden pony trap, called governess cart or tub cart, with two opposed inward-facing seats made of fabric and horsehair, a door in the back, as well as metal fixings and candle holders, designed for a single pony, used by Mrs. A.M. Taylor to carry her small children, made by Ralph E Sanders & Sons, Royston, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, 1900-1930

In the early 20th century, governess carts where some of the most popular personal vehicles in the countryside. Practical, safe, as well as light and easy to maintain and control, they were often used by governesses or mothers to take their children for a drive or drop them off at school. This is where the vehicle gets its name from. This particular cart was owned by its donor Mrs. A.M. Taylor, who used it when her children were small. Governess carts were designed to be drawn by a single pony or sometimes donkey. The driver sat diagonally in the right-hand corner, which twisted the body uncomfortably but gave a full view of the pony and the children in the front. Because this made it difficult for the driver to reach the pony’s head, only the calmest and most reliable animals could be used.