A Thomas Tilling 'garden seat' horse bus - photograph

Description:

This image shows a fully loaded Thomas Tilling 'garden seat' horse bus, outside the Raynes Park Hotel. The bus operated the Clapham Junction to Raynes Park route. The 'garden seat' buses were so called because of the forward-facing seats on the top deck. They were popular with women since they had stairways, rather than the ladders of earlier buses, which were easier to negotiate in long skirts. They had curtains in the window. The bus also has a 'decency board' to shield the ladies' ankles from view while they sat on the top deck. Tilling not only ran buses but also used to hire out his horse and carriages for weddings and other occasions, as advertised on the side of the bus.

Production Date:

1 May 1903

ID no:

LTM_1999/20209

Maker:

Photographer : Topical Press

Copyright:

Transport for London