The Cabmen’s Shelters: London’s Hidden Gems

The story began on a snowy evening in January 1875, when Captain Armstrong sent his servant to fetch a Hackney carriage from a stand in St John’s Wood, near his home. After a frustrating wait, the servant returned to sheepishly explain the length of time it took for him to locate them, and that the Hackney carriage cabmen had taken refuge from the biting cold in a nearby pub, which was then known as a grog shop.

Cabmen’s Shelter: Pic: heritageoflondon.org

While it was understandable that the cabmen needed warmth, this left passengers stranded. Determined to resolve this, Captain Armstrong spearheaded the creation of the first cab shelter, a movable hut opened in February 1875 on Acacia Road, St John’s Wood, close to where the issue arose. This original shelter has not survived, likely lost to urban changes or wartime damage, with no record confirming it was ever moved to another location.

This act of empathy led to the establishment of the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund in 1875, a charitable initiative to build dedicated shelters where Hackney carriage cabmen could rest, enjoy a hot cup of tea, and stay dry without resorting to pubs. These distinctive green huts ensured cabmen were ready to serve passengers even in harsh weather.

Cabmen’s Shelter: Russell Square.

Between 1875 and 1914, approximately 61 shelters were constructed across London. One of the last, built during the First World War (circa 1914–1918) on Wellington Place, St John’s Wood, and affectionately known as ‘The Chapel,’ remains a cherished landmark. All 13 surviving shelters, including those on Wellington Place, Russell Square, and Kensington Road, are protected as Grade II-listed structures, with the Wellington Place shelter listed on 5 April 2024 for its historical and architectural significance. Prominent figures, including the Duke of Westminster and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), supported the Fund, underscoring its importance.

Captain George Armstrong: Pic: Wikimedia Commons.