Bus model
© Transport for London
Collection of London Transport Museum
Enlarge
Add your memory
1:8 scale model of 1829 Shillibeer horse bus complete with 3 model horses and several passengers, model built 1920s
First omnibus : Shillibeer’s original London omnibus of 1829 was a large, long-bodied coach with room for up to 22 passengers inside. It needed three horses to pull it, and so was difficult to manoeuvre. Later buses were smaller, using only two horses.
Show related storySee this object and other related objects from within the 19th century London gallery
Related story:
Introducing the omnibusIn 1829 a new type of coach service came to London. George Shillibeer, who started it, copied the idea and the name ‘omnibus’ from Paris. His was the first hail-and-ride coach service on a fixed route in Britain. Shillibeer chose the busiest short stagecoach route from Paddington (then a rapidly growing village just outside London) to the Bank of England via Islington. His fares were not cheap, but they were less expensive than existing stagecoaches. His two omnibuses also offered a revolutionary service. For the first time passengers did not have to book in advance. They could pay a conductor on board and get in or out anywhere along the route. His two omnibuses also offered a revolutionary service. For the first time passengers did not have to purchase a ticket in advance. They could pay a conductor on board and get in or out anywhere along the route.
Additional resources
Bookmark this page
Print this page