Sedan Chairs: Travelling in 18th Century England
Sedan Chairs: Travelling in 18th Century England
Introduction
Instructions
Éléments de cette leçon
Sedan Chairs: Travelling in 18th Century England
What do you already know about sedan chairs and historic street transport?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will understand what sedan chairs were, how they were used, and why they are an important part of local history.
What is a Sedan Chair?
A sedan chair is a type of portable enclosed seat for one person, carried by two strong individuals using poles. Popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, they allowed people to travel comfortably, especially through narrow streets.
Why Use a Sedan Chair?
Sedan chairs helped the wealthy avoid filthy streets, keeping their clothing clean. Streets could be too narrow for carriages, so sedan chairs were the best choice for quick and clean travel.
Sedan Chairs as Public Transport
Plain black sedan chairs like the Chatham example could be hired by anyone, similar to a modern taxi. Fares depended on time and distance, and late-night journeys cost double!
Who Carried the Chairs?
Dangers
The Chairmen
Chairmen could cause collisions. Disastrous accidents included upset chairs, broken windows, and even injuries!
Two strong men, known as 'chairmen', carried the sedan chair. Each had to bear about 100 lbs and move quickly, often calling out, 'By your leave, sir!' to get through crowds.
The Chatham Barracks Chair
This particular chair was used by Marine Commandants at Chatham Barracks. After retiring from regular use, it became a ceremonial object before finally being donated to the museum.
A Piece of History Preserved
Thanks to public donations, the chair was restored in 2017 and is now displayed in the museum—a rare survivor telling stories of travel and tradition.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
