Huts that are architectural heritage
London taxis are famous around the world, of course. Some 21,000 »black cabs« – the name sticks despite their modern appearance in all sorts of garish colours – operate on the city’s streets. Less well known and much less numerous are the green-painted wooden huts that were built in the late 19th century as places of rest and refreshment for the drivers of hansom cabs. 13 of them are still standing, every one a listed structure and thus protected from demolition. 150 years ago, the drivers of two-wheeled hansom cabs were not allowed to leave their vehicles during a shift, and therefore seldom got a warm meal although they were out in all weathers. A charity called the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund took pity on them and built 61 huts at cab ranks between 1875 and 1914. As they stood on public highways, the shelters were not allowed to occupy a surface larger than a horse and carriage, but each of them was fitted with a small kitchen and seating for ten to twelve persons. Alcohol and gambling were banned – the approved pastime was to read improving literature donated by publishers.
Some cabbies’ shelters, like that in Grosvenor Gardens and those on Hanover Square, next to Temple Tube station and in Thurloe Place opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum, still serve tea, coffee, sandwiches and light meals to taxi drivers. Others, such as the huts on Russell Square and near Embankment station, are deserted, no more than lifeless monuments to days that have passed. Despite the modest size of the shelters, they have architectural dignity thanks to a harmonious composition of windows, panels and perforated decoration in the shape of plant motifs. Small triangles like pediments provide ventilation, a chimney surmounts the roof of wooden shingles, and overhanging eaves protect customers when they buy their tea. It is a simple and attractive design.
Info
Address Grosvenor Gardens, west side, SW1W | Public Transport Victoria (Circle, District, Victoria Line) | Tip The bronze sculpture of a lion hunting a kudu antelope in Upper Grosvenor Gardens was made by Jonathan Kenworthy and commissioned by Gerald Grosvenor, sixth Duke of Westminster.
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