British History historical facts that contain a few local history facts, did you know about? The Hansom Cab being an early form of black cab taxi, Bass Brewery once being the largest brewery in the world, the shortest serving Prime Minister, and where the Centre of England is. The answer to these popular questions are below with links to more information.
Hansom Cab was a horse-drawn carriage, it became an early form of the black cab taxi during Victorian period. The Hansom Cab was designed and patented by Joseph Hansom in 1834.
The first Hansom cab, also known as the Hansom Safety Cab was tested by Joseph along Coventry Road in Hinckley (Leicestershire) during 1835.
Joseph Hansom was an architect who designed notable buildings such as: Hinckley Workhouse, Birmingham Town Hall, Lutterworth Town Hall, amongst others.
Bass Brewery became the largest brewery in the world by 1877, Bass Pale Ale had become the highest selling one million barrels of beer across the British empire and world. Bass red triangle trademark was added to that casks of its Pale Ale, making the barrels easily recognisable across the world.
William Bass was born in Castle Street in Hinckley, Leicestershire during 1717, he was the son a plumber and glazier.
George Canning is the shortest serving British Prime Minister that served for just 119 days in 1827.
George was born in Marylebone, London in 1770, he became a British statesman and a Conservative (Tory) Politician. He in his time he would serve various senior cabinet positions, and would also shoot a pistol in a duel, have an affair with the King’s wife, all before his last four months of his life when he would become the Prime Minister.
George came to live at Castle Hill House along Castle Street in Hinckley, Leicestershire during 1807, his son was having treatment by the first British Orthopaedist Dr Robert Chessher.
The centre of England is at Lindley Hall Farm, between Fenny Drayton and MIRA Technology Park (Motor Industry Research Association) in Leicestershire.
The Ordnance Survey defined Lindley Hall Farm (the location of the once Lindley Hall) as the geographical centre of England in 2002, with a grid reference of SP 36373.66, 96143.05. Ordnance Survey erected a 6ft monument and plaque, denoting the centre of England on 14th June 2013.
During the Roman occupation of Britain (42AD - 420AD), the Romans calculated that the centre of Britain was at High Cross, the cross roads to Watling Street (A5) and The Fosse Way. This location is marked with a monument that was erected in 1712, although struck by lightning in 1791, the site can visited. This location is just 11 miles south-west of the current location found using modern technology.
Just a few miles away, King Richard III, the last Plantagenet King was slain at the Battle of Bosworth during 1485.
