Town coach, late 19th century

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.