Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Tideswell Room, Central Library, Eastbourne.

This is the second LPS plate from the boundary wall of St. Saviour's Church, South Street, that was found in the church grounds after being discarded by a pavement resurfacing crew.  It was rescued by Richard Crook of The Eastbourne Society, and was on display in the Heritage Centre in Carlisle Road, but since the closure of this building in 2025 it has been moved to the ironwork collection in the Central Library.

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL44. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. The Chatsworth Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: mute.cheer.sofa

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Another difficult one to spot initially, and I cycled past it twice before I spotted it.  It's actually on the boundary side wall of the hotel in Trinity Place near the Lightning Fibre wall cabinet.

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL41. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. The Avenue, Eastbourne. what3words location: buns.fails.wakes

 

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This plate is on the same triangular island of land at junction of The Avenue and St. Leonard's Road as the other LPS plate, but this one is facing 1 Upperton Gardens (currently Arthritis Action), whose entrance is on The Avenue.

This plate was the most difficult to find out of all the plates I surveyed, and it took me several visits and the use of loppers and secateurs to cut back the overhanging foliage to locate it.

Apart from the broken tang/spike, this plate is in excellent condition in terms of lack of corrosion, and consequently the letters are sharply defined.  It also has its two original blacksmith made large retention nails.  Repainted by Bob Cookson.  

While Bob was repainting the plate, a lady approached us to ask what we were doing (I was just watching Bob work!), and it was nice to be able to explain to someone the history of these plates.  In fact, this happened on a number of occasions as I accompanied Bob on his repainting tasks, but the most questions and comments I got were when I was surveying the letter boxes, as not only did I have to photograph them, but Kim also asked me to note their dimensions, which required me to use a dress makers/tailors measuring tape.  Not only did I have to measure the height of the pillar/wall boxes, but also their circumference/width, as well as the size of the post slot (aperture).  I had to do this, and note all these dimensions in my notebook, as people wandered past obviously wondering what I was doing!  Some people asked if I was doing a scientific survey, while others were worried that the letter box I was measuring was going to be removed, so it was nice to explain what the survey was for, and also point out the different Royal cyphers that most people admitted they had never even noticed!

EHL40. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. St. Leonard's Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: stump.tile.pills

 

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Triangular island of land at the junction of St. Leonard’s Road and The Avenue.   On the boundary wall facing Avenue House.

Initially this plate was difficult to find as it was covered in foliage.  Again, mounted higher up the wall as the wall base is in the gutter.  The photograph nicely shows the tang/spike that would normally be driven into the ground.

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL32. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. St. Saviour’s Church, South Street, Eastbourne. what3words location: demand.navy.lamps

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Boundary wall of the church facing South Street near the church entrance adjacent to Spencer Road.

There used to be a second LPS plate attached to this wall as listed in the 1973, 1984, and 2013 surveys, but one was removed during pavement resurfacing.  It was recovered by Richard Crook and is now on display in the Heritage Centre.

EHL331. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Langham Hotel, Royal Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: surnames.lions.verdict

 

On April 5th 2024 a missing LPS plate from the Langham Hotel was given to Kevin Gordon by Julian Martyr.  It was repainted by Bob Cookson and reinstalled by the hotel owner.  Picture by Kevin Gordon.      

EHL45. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. The Mansion (Lions) Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: farms.nods.first

 

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Boundary side wall of the hotel in Hartington Place.  This one was difficult to spot due to the multiple layers of black paint.  

Harold Spears 1984 survey result for LPS plates stated 'Hartington Place, 2 on Mansion Hotel wall,' so one has disappeared sometime after that survey.

EHL39. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Grange Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: surely.unity.throw

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire. 

Boundary wall of Eastbourne College adjacent to the Grange Road street sign at the corner of Grange Road and Blackwater Road.

This plate is featured in the Blog article 'Licence Plates Explained' which details how it was becoming buried under the layers of pavement tarmac.  Repainted by Bob Cookson.

There was also an HCS plate on this boundary wall, but it disappeared sometime after 1984.

EHL53. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Henley House, 4 Enys Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: happy.dots.heads

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Boundary wall approximately 8 metres (27 feet) to the right of the right-hand gate pillar.

The strange thing is, I lived in Enys Road for many years and must have walked passed this plate hundreds of times without noticing it! But this plate was so well disguised against the surrounding brickwork that it also eluded the 1973, 1984, and 2013 surveys, until reported by Kelly Van Doorn (Heritage Eastbourne Collections Officer) in June 2023.

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL27. Luggage Porters Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Colonnade Gardens, Eastbourne. what3words location: circulate.simmer.commit

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Harold Spear's 1973 article stated ‘These stands were used by outside porters who had hand barrows, and were available for the carrying of luggage around the town, and to and from the Railway Station.’  The article then described their uniforms as just consisting of a peaked cap with an armband in the form of a metal plate, on straps, which was worded ‘Outside Porter.’  

Previous ELHS articles give the location as 'Queen's Gardens, wall of Queen's Hotel carpark,' but this particular plate is just around the corner in Colonnade Gardens (previously called Colonnade Road), which makes me wonder if there was originally more than one on the hotel wall?

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL33. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: limp.plates.hulk

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  This photograph clearly shows the hammer marks above the nail hole where it would have originally been struck with a club hammer to drive its spike/tang into the ground to secure it in place.

Boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds opposite the Wilmington Square end of Grand Court.

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL46. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: into.coats.muddy

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire. 

Can be difficult to find this one in spring/summer due to plant growth, bit it's on the boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds opposite Citrus Hotel and opposite third disabled bay.  Between lamppost No10 & ‘Disabled Badge Holders Only’ sign.  

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL84. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: likes.dangerously.patch

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds opposite Wilmington Square gardens.  

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL42. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. The Avenue near ‘Avenue Snacks’ sandwich bar, Eastbourne. what3words location: ports.noses.kind

 

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Boundary wall of Upperton Gardens opposite No5 The Avenue.  This one was difficult to find as it was covered in ivy.  

This plate is fitted, not in the ground, but higher up the wall.  Obviously its tang/spike is missing, but it's still attached to the wall with its original blacksmith made large nails.  I suspect it was fitted in this location as the area at the base of the wall may have originally been grassed over which would have made it difficult to see.

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL43. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. St. Johns Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: flops.splash.crush

 

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Another of the plates that I discovered that had not previously appeared in any survey results.  

Boundary wall of electricity substation opposite The Moorings block of flats.  Triangle of land bounded by Meads Road, Milnthorpe Road, and St. Johns Road.

Straightened and repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL29. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Our Lady of Ransom RC Church, Eastbourne. what3words location: blows.torn.broker

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This is one of the plates that I discovered on the boundary wall of the church in Meads Road near the junction with Grange Road in 2023.  It had not previously appeared in any survey results.  

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL138. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Arundel House, 1 Hartfield Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: highs.track.always

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire. 

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

Harold Spear's September 1973 article explains that at that time this plate had been removed and was held by 'the Public Library'.  It was reinstalled in its present location (wall of Arundel House adjacent to lamppost No17) in 1984.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -

1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.

2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.

3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  

4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.

In 1893 the list had expanded to: -

Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59 

Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5

Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9 

Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50

Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL82. Hackney Carriage Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Hardwick Road adjacent to Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. what3words location: energy.adjust.factories

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire. 

Just to the left of the ‘No waiting at any time except taxis’ sign adjacent to Taxi Rank in Hardwick Road near entrance to Devonshire Park Theatre.

Surveyed by Keith Bell.  To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

This is another that would have been reinstalled in 1984 judging by the 'new' pink cement and modern slotted retention screw.  The plates were originally attached to the wall using a blacksmith made large nail.

Harold Spears 1974 article stated that the classes of vehicles and operators required to be licensed varied over the years.  Between 1873 and 1876 Hackney Carriages were classified as: -
 
1st Class – Carriages drawn by 2 horses, and licenced for 4 or more passengers.
2nd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 horse, or 2 ponies or mules, and licenced for more than 2 passengers.
3rd Class - Carriages drawn by 1 pony or mule, and licenced for not more than 3 passengers.  
4th Class – Bath Chair whether drawn by hand or by a donkey.
 
In 1893 the list had expanded to: -
Hackney Carriages 1st Class – 59
Hackney Carriages 2nd Class – 5
Hackney Carriages 3rd Class – 9
Hackney Carriages 4th Class – 50
Hackney Carriages 5th Class (Goat Chaises) – 4

EHL47. Goat Chaise Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: rating.candy.lifts

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This plate is on the boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds opposite the Lansdowne Hotel adjacent to the disabled parking bay at the start of the zebra crossing zig-zag markings.  Judging by the ‘new’ pink cement, I assume it was one of those reinstated in 1984.  It is the only Goat Chaise Stand plate still in-situ. 

Harold Spears informs us that the chaise's were small two wheeled carts pulled by goats.  They were led by a licensed attendant to take children for short rides.

Repainted by Bob Cookson, August 2024.

EHL24. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Opposite No30 Upperton Gardens, Eastbourne. what3words location: blend.turned.pets

 

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This is one of the plates that I 'discovered' that had not previously appeared in any survey results, but when I found it it was painted black with white lettering, so clearly someone had been looking after it.  The spike or tang that would normally be inserted into the ground is missing.  It's not known if it was originally attached to the the wall in this location, or if it was in the ground as most of the other plates are, but the base of this wall is in the gutter, so I suspect it was fitted above ground higher up the wall.

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL7. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Southfields Road, side wall of 2 Old Orchard Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: island.normal.survey

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This plate was surveyed by Kevin Gordon.

It is slowly disappearing beneath tarmac with each resurfacing of pavement.

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL28. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Our Lady of Ransom RC Church, Eastbourne. what3words location: noble.verbs.bricks

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This is one of the plates that I discovered on the boundary wall of the church in Meads Road opposite the junction with Saffrons Road in 2023.  It had not previously appeared in any survey results.  

Repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL36. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: moon.vibrates.sticks

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Located on the boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds opposite Wilmington Square road at the side of Grand Court.  Just past the newly installed information board.  

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL137. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edwards' Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: cheek.took.ritual

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

On the boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds opposite the Lansdowne Hotel near entrance to Western Lawns.  Next to WD (War Department) boundary stone, which is also an OS benchmark.  

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL34. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne. what3words location: gloves.hired.facing

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

Boundary wall of Wish Tower grounds, opposite Wilmington Square road (Citrus Hotel side).  Next to the electrical cabinets that are recessed into the boundary wall.  

Condition: Poor. Split vertically.  Buried deeply with part of ‘S’ obscured.  

Judging by the ‘new’ pink cement, I assume this was one of those reinstated in 1984.

To be repainted by Bob Cookson.

EHL136. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. 2A Cornfield Terrace near junction with Burlington Place, Eastbourne. what3words location: notice.jars.oppose

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This plate was surveyed by Keith Bell.

It is difficult to find due to the plant growth.  Since Keith took this picture in 2023 it may have been repainted by Bob Cookson in its original green colour with white lettering.

EHL80. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. Cranbourne Court, 1 Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne. what3words location: safely.into.perky

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

The plate is on the boundary wall of the house nearly opposite the junction with Blackwater Road, but the plate is difficult to find due to the plants which normally cover it during the growing season.  I took this photograph in 2023, but it is on Bob Cookson's repainting list and may now be in its original colour of green with white lettering.

EHL118. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. 10 Bolton Road, Eastbourne, opposite Kamsons Pharmacy. what3words location: city.rise.props

Licence plates were attached to the base of a wall where the licence holder was permitted to stand whilst awaiting hire.  

This is the BCS plate that was identified as ‘at risk’ late in 2022 by Keith Bell who was monitoring the building work at 10 Bolton Road.  The plate was put aside by the builders to be refitted after the boundary wall was resurfaced, but subsequently went missing.  It resurfaced on Facebook and was recovered in a combined effort between Kevin Gordon and the local Police Heritage Officer.  It was then repainted by Bob Cookson and refitted in its original position in 2023 with the blessing of the building’s owner.

EHL83. Bath Chair Stand. Victorian/Edwardian. The Arlington Road Medical Practice, 1 Arlington Road, Eastbourne. what3words location: noise.dizzy.festivity

Before and after pictures.  Repainted by Bob Cookson in its original colours of green with white lettering.  'After' picture taken 30/07/24 by my sister Shirley.

In the January 1974 ELHS Newsletter No11, Harold Spears wrote an article titled ‘More About Vehicle Licences’ which is reproduced in part here: -

In the last newsletter some details were given about the licences and stands used by vehicles and animals plying for public hire.  Licences issued by the Council were required by the drivers and attendants as well as those issued for the vehicle or animal.  The numbers of licences granted to the attendants and drivers each year usually exceeded the number of vehicles, etc, so it is assumed that alternative drivers were available for some of the transport.

In 1892 a Bath Chairman’s Union was formed.  In the following year the Union asked the Watch Committee to limit the number of Bath Chair licences, but this was refused.  The Committee did make a ruling at this time that applicants for Bath Chair licences must have resided within the borough for twelve months.  In 1911 the Council did eventually limit the number of licences issued with the result that there was a waiting list for Bath Chair licences.

A book titled ‘George Meek, Bath Chairman’ was published in 1910.  This autobiography, written by an Eastbourne born worker, contains accounts of his time as a Bath Chairman locally.  This throws light on the hard life of the Bath Chairman of the day.  One of Meek’s most bitter complaints was against some of his colleagues who set out early in the morning in order to park their chairs at the most favoured stands, and who then left their chairs unattended whilst they returned home for breakfast.  He reports that one of them was fined for doing so in 1907.  The Watch Committee minutes record several cases of this occurring, and the attendants and drivers were called before the Committee to explain their behaviour.  George Meek records that many Bath Chairs were owned by proprietors who hired them out to attendants, and that the hire of the Chair was usually one quarter of the takings.  In Meek’s time those wishing to ride in a Bath Chair could choose between several available types – the ‘Brighton Shape’; ‘Bath Type’; ‘Cee Springs’; and the ‘Old Fashioned Lever Spring.’

The offence of leaving a licensed vehicle unattended has been mentioned, but a far more serious offence could occur.  Answerable before the Watch Committee was the charge of being drunk in charge of a vehicle or animal.  In some cases this resulted in the loss of licences.  

Even more mind boggling than the previous item is the news in the Eastbourne Gazette of 12 December 1906.  ‘A project is on foot, engineered by a retired Indian Officer, to place six rickshaws on the stands during the summer season of 1907.  The coolies in charge will be dressed in oriental costume, and will be extensively patronised. The speed of these are quite equal to a trotting horse, and the rising is very easy.’  The idea was persistent, and eventually four years later an application for a license was made to operate this type of transport.  However, the Council refused the application.

Note: It’s not a word that would be used today, but historically a ‘coolie’ was an unskilled labourer.  It comes from the Hindi word qulii, which literally means 'hired servant.’

 

Licence Plates Surveys 1973 to 2023. The attached tables show the survey results and record which plates are still in-situ, have been lost, newly discovered, or rediscovered.

 

Bath Chair Stand (BCS)
1973 & 1984 locations noted by Harold Spears	2013 survey results	2022/2023 survey results	Updated address (if applicable)
Arlington Road near the junction with Old Orchard Road.	Yes	Yes	Boundary wall of Medical Practice.
Bolton Road outside number 10.	Yes	Refitted	Opposite Kamsons Pharmacy.
Bolton Road outside number 15: See ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Chiswick Place, south side near theatre.	Yes	No (Lost sometime after 2013)	N/A
1973 & 1984: Compton Street outside rear entrance to Arundel Hotel on corner of Devonshire Place.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
Cornfield Terrace near junction with Burlington Place.	Yes	Yes, Keith Bell	To the left of the gate marked 2A.
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Cornfield Terrace, opposite No 3 (old information centre).	Yes	Yes	Cranbourne Court, 1 Cornfield Terrace.
*Elms Avenue opposite Burlington Road.  1973: Not Listed. 1984 update seems to suggest this plate was found after 1973, but was removed before the 1984 survey.
1973: Grand Parade opposite Lascelles Terrace. 1984 no update listed.	No update listed.	No (Lost sometime after 1973)	N/A
1973: Not Listed, but reported in 1974 as ‘Pier Gardens’. 1984: Grand Parade opposite Queens Gardens.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Marine Parade opposite Queens Gardens.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
King Edward’s Parade roadside wall Wish Tower grounds: - 1973 – 5 listed 1984 – 4 listed	4 listed	3 listed  (2 lost since 1973)	Opposite Wilmington Square (Grand Court side). Opposite Wilmington Square (Citrus Hotel side). Opposite Lansdowne Hotel next to WD boundary stone.
Not Listed	Not Listed	Yes	Meads Road, boundary wall of Our Lady of Ransom Church opposite the junction with Saffrons Road.
Southfields Road, side wall of 2 Old Orchard Road.	Yes	Yes Kevin Gordon	As per 1973/1984
Not Listed	Not Listed	Yes	Upperton Gardens Park near the junction with Hartfield Road.

 

Goat Chaise Stand (GCS) See also ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’
1973 & 1984 locations noted by Harold Spears	2013	2022/2023	Updated address (if applicable)
1973 & 1984: King Edward’s Parade roadside wall Wish Tower Grounds.	Yes	Yes	Opposite the Lansdowne Hotel adjacent to the disabled parking bay.

 

Hackney Carriage Stand (HCS) See also ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Grange Road. On wall of Eastbourne College grounds.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
Hardwick Road, near Devonshire Park Theatre entrance.	Yes	Yes Keith Bell	Adjacent to Taxi Rank.
1973: Elim Church, plate held by library. 1984 (reinstalled): Hartfield Road, near Elim Church.	Yes	Yes	Arundel House, 1 Hartfield Road.
King Edward’s Parade roadside wall Wish Tower grounds: - 1973 – 3 listed 1984 – 3 listed	Yes	Yes, 01/02/23	Opposite Wilmington Square/end of Grand Court. Opposite Wilmington Square gardens. Opposite the Citrus Hotel.
Not Listed	Not Listed	Yes	Meads Road, boundary wall of Our Lady of Ransom Church near the junction with Grange Road.
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Queens Gardens.  Wall of Queens Hotel carpark.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
1973 & 1984: - Seaside outside No 64.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
Not Listed	Not Listed	Yes	St. John’s Road, boundary wall of electricity substation opposite The Moorings flats.
1973: Not Listed. 1984: The Avenue, on wall of Upperton Gardens.	No	Yes  (rediscovered)	As per 1973/1984
1973: Not Listed. 1984: The Avenue, near Upperton Lane.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
1973: ‘Upperton Road, outside Flowerland (2 plates)’.  This was crossed out and ‘Gone’ added in Journal No 10 September 1973.	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

Luggage Porters Stand (LPS) See also ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’
1973 & 1984 locations noted by Harold Spears	2013	2022/2023	Updated address (if applicable)
Not Listed	Not Listed	Yes	Henley House, 4 Enys Road.  Reported by Kelly Van Doorn.
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Grange Road, on wall of Eastbourne College grounds.	Yes	Yes	Near the ‘Grange Road’ sign at the corner of Grange Road and Blackwater Road.
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Hartington Place.  Two on the wall of the Mansion Hotel.	One remaining	One remaining  (1 lost since 1984)	Boundary sidewall of hotel.  Very difficult to spot due to multiple layers of black paint.
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Queens Gardens.  Wall of Queens Hotel carpark.	No	Yes (rediscovered)	Actually located in Colonnade Gardens near the junction with Queens Gardens.
1973 & 1984: Pevensey Road on South side near the fountain.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	January 1974 Journal No11 ELHS article states ‘Pevensey Road, No 68, opposite the Fishing Tackle shop.’
1973 & 1984: South St.  Two on the boundary wall of St Saviour’s Church grounds.	Yes	One remaining.	Second ‘missing’ plate - see ‘Plates Currently on Display.’
1973: Not Listed. 1984: St. Aubyn’s Road.  Side of Weyanoke Hotel.	No	No (Lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
1973 & 1984: The Avenue.   Two plates on the island at the junction of St. Leonard’s Road.	Yes	Yes	One on the wall facing The Avenue, the other on the wall facing Avenue House.
1973: Not Listed.  1984: Tideswell Road, near Junction Road.	No - under the Arndale	N/A	N/A
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Trinity Place, near Chatsworth Hotel.	Yes	Yes	Sidewall of hotel near Lightning Fibre box.  Difficult to spot as heavily over-painted.
Not Listed	Not Listed	N/A	Langham Hotel - recovered 2024

 

Motor Char-a-banc (MCS) See also ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’
1973 & 1984 locations noted by Harold Spears	2013	2022/2023	Updated address (if applicable)
1973 & 1984: King Edward’s Parade roadside wall Wish Tower grounds.	Yes	No (Lost sometime after 2013)	N/A
Harold’s 1973 report states that a plate from outside the Grand Hotel in Jevington Gardens is held by the Public Library.	N/A	N/A	Town Hall storage ‘Box 99’
1973: Not Listed. 1984: Silverdale Road on wall of Grand Hotel.	Not clear from survey result.	No (Appears to have been lost sometime after 1984)	N/A
Saddled Donkey Stand (SDS) See also ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’
1973 & 1984: King Edward’s Parade roadside wall Wish Tower grounds.	Yes	Yes	Opposite Grand Court near WD stone/entrance to Wish Tower grounds.
Saddled Pony Stand (SPS)
1973 & 1984: King Edward’s Parade roadside wall Wish Tower grounds.	No	No	See ‘Plates Currently in Storage.’