Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Little Green Huts



You pass these odd little green huts around London, and you may have wondered what they are. They are cafes for London cabbies, put up at the end of the 19th Century, by the philantrophist Lord Shaftesbury (he was really one of the good guys) and his friends. The reason that they are the size they are is because the police insisted that they could be no larger than a horse and cart. Nowdays, they are all listed buildings, but mostly still in use by cabbies. This is the plaque on this one in Russell Square, just next to Tiruvalluvar.

posted by Ham at 00:33 -- Comments here: 11

Comments on "Little Green Huts"

 

Blogger Jean said ... (06:46) : 

I learn something new all the time. Thank you.

 

Blogger Ineke said ... (10:06) : 

They're lovely and this is the first time i have heard what they're for! Thanks.

 

Blogger John Nez said ... (14:36) : 

Great blog! Great article... very inspiring that Lord Shaftsbury.

Amazing his life story hasn't been made into a movie by now.

 

Blogger Lisi said ... (16:33) : 

interesting post...good story

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (17:25) : 

That's neat.

 

Blogger Ryan said ... (17:40) : 

Can other people use these as well or are they exclusively for cabbies?

 

Blogger Sam said ... (20:40) : 

That is a great story! (and a lovely photo!)

 

Blogger ems said ... (21:07) : 

Many agree they are exclusively for the use of cabbies but I do remember a recent letter in the Guardian newspaper in which someone said him and his wife had been served at the shelter in Victoria.

The one near Hyde Park always seems remarkably busy.

 

Blogger midnitebara said ... (00:56) : 

interesting story. Now I know what they are if ever I come to visit london.

 

Blogger PDPB said ... (17:15) : 

thats something I`ve never heard of before - reminds me of a supersized police box, which is from the same era.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (16:39) : 

Message to those wishing to use these huts. I'm not sure about all huts, but the one at Embankment serves the general public with the best bacon sarnies in London - and cheap!

 

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Name: Ham Location: London, United Kingdom View my complete profile