Overview
The lecture discusses the historical significance, design, and usage of the sedan chair as a mode of transportation for the wealthy in 17th and 18th century Britain, especially in cities like Bath, Edinburgh, and London.
Origins and Introduction
- Sedan chairs were introduced for hire in London in 1634 by Sir Saunders Duncombe.
- The name "sedan chair" comes from Sedan, France, where it was first used.
- They quickly became popular as they were cheaper than hackney cabs and could navigate narrow streets.
Design and Use
- A sedan chair consisted of a seat inside a cabin, with a detachable roof, mounted on two poles.
- It was carried by two chairmen, one at the front and one at the rear.
- The passenger entered through a hinged front door; the design accommodated tall headdresses.
- The swaying and bouncing ride was not suitable for those prone to motion sickness.
Social and Practical Importance
- The gentry used sedan chairs to keep their shoes clean and preserve elaborate clothing.
- In spa towns like Bath, invalids used sedan chairs to travel directly from bedroom to baths.
- Sedan chairs were especially useful in old cities where streets were too narrow for carriages, such as Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Regulations and Operations
- Chairmen were licensed, and sedan chair stations were established for hiring.
- Fares doubled after midnight, and after dark, link boys (torch bearers) accompanied chairs.
- Wealthy people summoned chairs via footmen; the very wealthy owned custom-decorated sedan chairs.
Decline and Legacy
- Expansion of cities and increasing distances led to the decline of sedan chair use.
- By the mid-19th century, sedan chairs had virtually disappeared from British streets.
Cultural Notes and Trivia
- Sedan chairs were allowed to travel on pavements, but frequent accidents occurred due to pedestrian conflicts.
- Two blue posts outside pubs in London and Bath marked sedan chair stations, inspiring pub names like "Blue Posts."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sedan Chair — A portable enclosed chair for a passenger, carried by two men using poles.
- Chairman — The person who carried the sedan chair.
- Link Boy — A torch bearer who guided sedan chairs at night.
- Blue Posts — Pairs of blue posts marking a sedan chair station or rank.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review related articles on the stagecoach and Georgian fashion for broader context on historical transport and culture.