NOSTALGIA: Getting to the church on time in a Havant wagonette

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Waggonettes in Havant West Street.
I hope it didnt rain in their parade with these open to the elements waggonettes in West Street, Havant. Picture: Ralph Cousins collection. — jpns-07-05-18-032 rw Waggonettes in Havant West Street. I hope it didnt rain in their parade with these open to the elements waggonettes in West Street, Havant. Picture: Ralph Cousins collection.

Anything you wish to know about the Havant, Leigh Park, Bedhampton, Waterlooville and Langstone areas, plus the Hayling Island railway, are all available at minimal cost.

One booklet that is apt for this year is the Havant Roll of Honour from the First World War. It’s a worthy read, believe me.

Among the collection there’s even an abridged version of my book The Naval Camps of Bedhampton and Leigh Park.

Havant war memorial which features on the cover of one of the Havant Borough Local History booklets.

If you do not live at Havant or unable to make it to the town, give Ralph a call on (023) 9248 4024 or e-mail the man himself at [email protected].

The books can also be read online free at thespring.co.uk/heritage/local-history-booklets/.

Ralph sent me the lovely picture of the horses and carriages.

However, to find out exactly what they were I had to go to the man with the knowledge of all types of wagons.

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Elm Grove, Hayling Island
Another trip across the harbour to Hayling Island in the 1930s. This was taken in Elm Grove. Picture: Roger Allen collection. — jpns-07-05-18-032 rw Elm Grove, Hayling Island Another trip across the harbour to Hayling Island in the 1930s. This was taken in Elm Grove. Picture: Roger Allen collection.

Brian Clifford says: ‘I would describe these vehicles as wagonettes. I suggest they are not large enough to be omnibuses.

‘Wagonettes did come in many sizes (the larger ones being licensed as omnibuses), and seated the occupants longitudinally, with room for another passenger on the driver’s box.’

He adds: ‘In the 1880s the principal Hackney carriage operations were located at The Bear Hotel, East Street, Havant.

‘In your picture, the second driver appears very smart, and the two horses are a matching pair; so obviously a special occasion!

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Taking a sharp curve.
Passing the Grosvenor Hotel on the corner of Western parade and Osborne Road a tram heads towards Palmerston Road. Picture Robert James collection. — jpns-07-05-18-032 rw Taking a sharp curve. Passing the Grosvenor Hotel on the corner of Western parade and Osborne Road a tram heads towards Palmerston Road. Picture Robert James collection.

‘I assume the picture is of a wedding party; quite a modest one, I guess, as there appears to be no trace of landaus or Victorias.

‘The roofs are interesting; I have never seen a covered wagonette before – probably because most of my research has been in respect of coastal resorts. Clearly shown are the dished wheels – the spokes inserted at such an angle as to prevent detritus from the road being deposited on the passengers. Interestingly, this second wagonette appears to have a transverse seat behind the driver’s box.

‘Many cab proprietors of some substance offered bespoke wedding transport. F Coker, who took over the Mile End Mews Livery Stable, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, from Arthur Hollings in 1885, was advertising a single-horse wedding carriage for five shillings, or a double-horse carriage for nine shillings, both with a liveried driver.’