200 Years of London's Black Cabs: A Journey Through Time

April 23rd marks a truly historic moment for Londoners and tourists alike, as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first licensed black cab in the city! 

These iconic vehicles have become as much a part of London's identity as Big Ben, red telephone boxes, and unpredictable weather. As we toast to two centuries of black cabs, let's take a journey through the history of taxis in London. 

The First Hackney Carriages: Horsing Around in the 17th Century 

The black cab's great-great-great-great-great-grandparents were the horse-drawn hackney carriages that emerged in the early 17th century. Although they didn't have the same sleek look, these four-wheeled carriages were the original taxis.

They were the perfect solution for those who didn't own a horse but needed to get from point A to point B without getting their shoes dirty (or stepping in something less than pleasant). 

Hansom cab, London, 1904

Cabriolets: Where 'Cab' Was Born 

The word 'cab' comes from the French 'cabriolet,' which referred to a two-wheeled, horse-drawn carriage that arrived in London in the early 19th century.

These dashing vehicles were lighter and faster than their hackney carriage ancestors, offering a more thrilling ride through the bustling streets of London. And, as an added bonus, passengers didn't need to learn French to hail one. 

The Bersey Electric Cab: Lightning Strikes

Before Elon Musk made electric vehicles cool, the Bersey electric cab was the talk of the town in the late 19th century. This forward-thinking taxi was quieter and cleaner than its horse-drawn counterparts, but it couldn't quite shake off the stigma of being a bit, well, overpriced and unreliable.  

Sadly, it wasn't long before the Bersey cabs were put out to pasture, leaving Londoners to continue hailing more conventional rides.

Meters and Costs: Hailing a Fair Fare 

The first use of taxi meters in London came in 1907, ensuring a more transparent system of charges for passengers. No more haggling or verbal sparring with drivers; the meter was the ultimate referee. The initial prices were set at 8d (8 pence) for the first mile. 
 
Of course, this didn't stop passengers from occasionally suffering from "meter shock" upon reaching their destination, but at least everyone could agree on the rules of the game. The clockwork meters of the early 20th century continued to be used well into the 1980s, before they were phased out in favour of more modern electronic versions.

Modern-Day Taxis: Navigating the 21st Century 

Today's black cabs have come a long way from their humble, horse-drawn beginnings. With modern conveniences like air conditioning, GPS, and contactless payment, the iconic black cab is ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. 

And the ever-iconic black cab continues to evolve. Companies like LEVC and Sherbert are leading the switch to electric cabs. Their vehicles combine the traditional design we know and love with cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology. Promising a greener, cleaner future for the capital. 

The iconic black cab may be 200 years old, but it's clear that it's keeping up with the times, proving that you can teach an old cab new tricks. As we celebrate their 200th anniversary, it's clear that these steadfast vehicles will continue to be an essential part of London's transport landscape for years to come. 

So, as you raise a glass to toast the 200th anniversary of London's first licensed black cab, remember to also salute the intrepid drivers who have expertly navigated this city's maze of streets for centuries. From horse-drawn carriages to electric cabs, and now the iconic black taxi, the journey has been quite the ride.  

And who knows what the future holds? But one thing's for sure: the black cab is here to stay.