CHAPTER I

The introduction of hackney-coaches--“The world run on wheels”--The first hackney-coach stand and the oldest cab rank in England--Sedan chairs introduced--Charles I. and Charles II. prohibit hackney-coaches--Hackney-coaches and the Plague--William Congreve--Threatened strike of hackney-coachmen--Hackney-chariots introduced--Prince of Wales drives a hackney-coach--Licences--Funeral coaches ply for hire in the streets--A pedometer for hackney-coaches suggested--Dickens on hackney-coaches--Origin of the word “hackney” 181