Town coach, late 19th century

This town coach was most likely built by Cook Rowley and Co in about 1849 and was later refurbished by Cook & Holdway in late 19th or early 20th century. Both companies were based in London. Cook Rowley and Co exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition and patented a number of designs, such as the double inverted C spring which reduced the uncomfortable bouncing motion felt when riding in a carriage.

Town coaches were large carriages for four people and would have been used for visiting acquaintances in towns. The carriage has a sliding window for the passengers to speak the driver and also has windows in the doors. Passengers entered the vehicle using a set of steps which were folded inside the carriage when not in use.