Travelling Chariot

The nobility and high-ranking officers adopted the Travelling Chariot, a privately owned post-chaise, for long journeys.

This particularly fine and original example was built by Rawlins of London for the Innes family of Kincardineshire. The hand-painted family crests have survived in remarkable condition.

Travelling Chariots were used for long journeys; often for touring continental countries. Two or four horses were used, controlled by postilions or postboys, and family servants and grooms rode in the 'rumble seat' at the rear.

The rounded case in front of the rumble seat is for holding swords and other weapons. The case is accessible only from inside the carriage.

The family's own horses would start, and perhaps finish, a long journey. All intermediate stages of perhaps 50 miles, would depend on horses and drivers from post houses along the route.

Travelling Chariots were popular mainly between 1795 and 1825 and used the turnpike road network in Britain extensively.

Loaned by: Aberdeen Museums