2-798-463 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Char-a-banc presented to Her Majesty by the King of the French, 1844. Queen Victoria and King Louis Philippe of France ride from the Queen's Entrance at Windsor Castle to Twickenham. 'This elegant vehicle is a modification of the family jaunting van of Normandy...It is built to accommodate eight persons; the body of the carriage being divided into four double seats. A neat canopy, supported by brass pillars, protects the company against the sun...The framework of the carriage is light, but substantial, firmly girded with iron fittings, and suited to the traffic of rougher roads than are ordinarily found in this country...Approach to the seats is gained from the sides, by three steps, which close and shut in beneath the floor of the carriage'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.