Historic England - Joseph Hansom

Originally an architect born in York, Hansom became estate manager at Caldecote Hall in Warwickshire where, on his employer's suggestion, he registered his design for a Patent Safety Cab, and subsequently sold the patent to a company for £10,000. Joseph Hansom was living in Hinckley, Leicestershire, when in 1835, he drove the first prototype of his newly-invented cab along Coventry Road and Watling Street.

Places to visit

Hinckley and District Museum
Search out Hinckley's history in the museum based in a row of restored framework knitters' cottages in Lower Bond Street and relax in the delightful cottage garden.

York, Yorkshire
Enjoy a drink at The Hansom Cab pub in York, named in honour of the famous designer. A fine example of his horse-drawn masterpiece can be seen in Kirkgate, the reconstructed Victorian street at the Castle Museum.