Back in 1875 the Earl of Shaftesbury and a few other kindly people set up a charity to build 61 shelters around London for the cabbies to have a cuppa somewhere warm and dry.Prior to this cabbies might stop of at the pub for a pint or two. Problem with this, aside from the obvious is that their cab might also be stolen. (we're talking horse and carriage back then).
There were a few rules associated with these shelters: no gambling, no alcohol.
As they were on public highways, the police decreed that they be no bigger than a horse and carriage. This meant no more than about 10 -12 cabbies could take shelter at any one time. Thus as each new driver arrived the ones before shuffled around to fit him in, the first one leaving to make room. Just enough time to finish your warm cuppa.
Thirteen of these shelters still remain and are classified as Grade II heritage buildings. A cuppa can be bought for the princely sum of 40p
