Windsor Carriages: A Journey Through Time and Tradition 175 Years of History

Windsor Carriages: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

Nestled in the royal heart of England, amidst the grandeur of Windsor Castle, the world's largest inhabited castle, and the picturesque charm of The Long Walk, a tradition steeped in history continues to thrive. Welcome to Windsor Carriages, where the rhythmic clip-clop of horse hooves on town streets resonates with echoes of centuries past, preserving history and . Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through time, delving into the enduring legacy of hackney carriages and the steadfast dedication of those who uphold this cherished tradition.

The History of Windsor's Hackney Carriages

The narrative of horse-drawn carriages in England traces its origins back to 1649 when they were first licensed as hackney carriages. Throughout the centuries, these iconic vehicles have played a pivotal role in the nation's transportation history, gracefully ferrying passengers through bustling streets and idyllic countryside alike.

In the mid-1800s, a significant turning point occurred when the famed Long Walk ceased to serve as a thoroughfare for public and trade vehicles. Despite this transformation, a unique exception was granted during Queen Victoria's reign, allowing hackney carriages continued access to the estate. This tradition endures to this day, with Windsor Carriages proudly operating under the same hackney carriage license granted over 175 years ago.

From Transportation to Destination Specialists

While Windsor Carriages originated as conveyors of passengers, their evolution into destination specialists marks a significant curve of progress. Far beyond mere transportation, they now curate tailored experiences infused with local expertise, ensuring each guest's visit to Windsor is nothing short of exceptional.

The Legacy of Windsor Coachman John Seear

At the heart of our story is the legacy of Windsor coachman John Seear, a figure synonymous with dedication and tradition. For over five decades, John brought the timeless elegance of horse-drawn carriages to Windsor, steadfastly refusing to exchange his licence for a motor vehicle.

One by one, fellow coachmen either retired or passed away, their licences converted to cars, and with no successors to carry on the craft, the trade steadily declined.

John's unwavering dedication ensured the preservation of Windsor Carriages' Victorian-era hackney carriage license in history, a legacy passed down through generations and most recently to his daughter in 2012.

Rebecca Seear: Continuing the Family Tradition

His daughter, Rebecca, affectionately known as "The Coachman's Daughter," grew up beside her father and grandfather on the carriages, often collected from school by carriage.

"Listening to my father's stories on his drives, I realised the experience was much more than a timeless carriage ride; it was an opportunity to share our traditions and stories, forge connections with visitors, and create memories to last a lifetime."

Over the past decade, Rebecca has continued her father's work, supplementing his tales with anecdotes from current guides, all local individuals impassioned about Windsor and working horses, embodying a profound love of storytelling.

With each passing year, Windsor Carriages has expanded, adding more carriages and coachmen with their own beloved horses, thereby fulfilling Rebecca's vision of not only preserving but also expanding this remarkable tradition and offering a cherished service to visitors seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

'Ensuring this tradition lives on into the next generation—through the children of our coachmen, growing up as I once did—is deeply important to me. Through the network we are building within the world of commercial coachmen, I believe we can make it happen.'

Crafting Bespoke Windsor Experiences

As their business has evolved, so too has their understanding of their customers and their needs when visiting Windsor. In response to a changing industry, Windsor Carriages has diversified in ways that safeguard its heritage—curating full itineraries, arranging carriages between iconic venues, coordinating lunch reservations, and more—ensuring that the tradition of the Windsor coachman continues while delivering every guest an experience of timeless quality.

Educational Programs

Windsor Carriages schools program is a passion, inviting children to embark on an immersive classroom experience as they progress from one horse to a team of four, all while conjuring up an imaginary carriage. Read more about our schools programme here.

Contact Us:

For expert guidance to enhance a Windsor visit, contact Windsor Carriages today through the form below to schedule a call with one of the team members. Read more and to make an enquiry click here.

In Loving Memory of John Seear, Windsor Coachman 1939 - 2016

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