Road vehicle; Thomas Tilling 'Knifeboard' type horse bus, circa 1875
Main details
| Reference number | 1981/525 |
|---|---|
| Description | The Tilling 'knifeboard' horse bus ran in London from around 1875-1895. The name 'knifeboard' comes from the long roof-top seat resembling a knifeboard, a utensil for sharpening knives found in Victorian kitchens. It was designed to maximise the size and weight comfortably handled by two horses. With outside seating on the roof, it could carry 26 people. This bus was acquired by the London General Omnibus Company in 1920s and restored to take part in the Omnibus Centenary celebrations of 1929. |
| Designer | |
| Dates | 1851 |
| Collection | |
| Object type |
|
| Location | |
| Topics | |
| Completeness | 100% |
-
Physical description
Dimensions Attribute Value Height 3000mm9ft 7.5inLength 4470mm13ft 9inWidth 2100mm6ft 10inWeight Attribute Value Unladen 1tons 10cwtColour Attribute Value Colour - Cream
- Green
- Black
- Red
-
Build and type
Attribute Value Deck DoubleType KnifeboardIn service 1875 - 1895 -
People involved
Role Person(s) involved Designer Thomas Tilling, 1851 -
Associated companies, people and places
Company Attribute Value Operated by Thomas Tilling, 1875 - 1895
More about horse buses
‘Knifeboard’ buses were the first double-deckers. Learn more about the bus which ran in the 1870s and 1880s owned by Thomas Tilling, one of London’s biggest bus operators.
At the start of the nineteenth century there were no buses or railways in London. The city was compact, and its narrow streets crowded. Learn how George Shillibeer, a coachbuilder and stable keeper and the London General Omnibus Company shaped London’s horse bus era.
During Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), London's population grew at an astonishing rate. London’s centre became increasingly congested. Read more about public transport in Victorian London – on the surface.
