Have you spotted one of London’s green cab shelters on your walk through London recently? 64 of them were commissioned between 1875 and 1914 for horse-drawn units, but there are only 13 remaining in the city.
Today (April 9), the green cab shelter at Wellington Place in St John’s Wood received protection which means every one of them across the city has now got listed status. The famous shelter has been listed at Grade II status by the department for Culture, Media, and Sport after they were advised by Historic England.
They were built by the Cabman’s Shelter Fund (which turns 150 years old in 2025) so that drivers could stop off for rest. Still serving up grub and cups of tea today (only to cabbies, of course), they serve a purpose all these years later. Even if you haven’t got your taxi ‘knowledge, you’ll still be able to pick up takeaway items at the iconic shelters.
Speaking about today’s news, Luke Jacob, Listing Adviser at Historic England, said: “Full of intrigue, history, tea and bacon sarnies, London’s well-loved cabmen’s shelters are distinctive relics of the horse-drawn age in the capital.
“Originally built from 1875 for the drivers of London’s Hansom cabs, they continue to serve both passers-by and cab drivers on the ranks today. As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund it is fitting that the final shelter on Wellington Place – lucky number 13 – has received the official recognition it deserves through listing.”
Where can I find the green cab shelters in London?
If you fancy catching a cab from one of the green shelters or simply perusing around a piece of history in the city, then here’s where you’ll find them:
- Russell Square – WC1
- Embankment Place – WC2
- Temple Place – WC2
- Hanover Square – W1
- Kensington Road – W8
- Warwick Avenue – W9
- Kensington Park Road – W11
- Grosvenor Gardens – SW1
- Pont Street – SW1
- St. George’s Square – SW1
- Chelsea Embankment – SW3
- Thurloe Place – SW7 (if you take a trip to see the famous skinny house, there’s an easy route back!)
- Wellington Place – NW8
Historic England have also created a handy map of all the shelters around London so you’ll always know where you’re nearest green hut stands. You can view and save their creation below: