Historic London Cabmen’s Shelter now protected under Grade II Listing

Image credit: Historic England

The last of London’s historic cabmen’s shelters, located at Wellington Place in St John’s Wood, has been granted Grade II listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), following recommendations from Historic England.

These iconic green structures, originally constructed to provide respite for horse-drawn cab drivers, have become a cherished part of the capital’s heritage.

The shelter in question not only offers a haven for today's taxi drivers but also features rapid chargepoints, enhancing its appeal for thousands of cabbies working in London each day.

First introduced in 1875, cabmen's shelters were designed as small, convenient stops across the city. Today, only 13 of these shelters remain, each now secured as a listed building, a move that highlights their architectural and historical significance.

Colin Evans, Trustee of Cabmen's Shelter Fund, said: “We’re really pleased that the Wellington Place shelter now has protected status, along with all the other remaining shelters. We know how special the shelters are but we need the London taxi trade and public’s support more than ever so that this important part of our heritage and working class history lives on.”

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.”

Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of Heritage of London Trust, said: “We’re proud to have helped save the 13 shelters over the last 40 years. These are unique London landmarks as well as an ingenious Victorian solution to the frenetic city streets.  Today they’re still a sanctuary for the London cabbie community.”