Horse Traction in Victorian London

Abstract

The economics of horsepower in London transport during the nineteenth century is a neglected subject. The author discusses three separate issues relating to horsepower in London: the major owners of carriage horses, cart and van horses, and cab horses; the working life of the horses; and how the steam competition affected the horse transport industry. The paper includes detailed tables and historical information on the number of horses in London for the years 1825, 1854-1864 and 1893, as well as the prices of horses purchased at that time.