6 minute read
Windsor’s enduring Elegance
Step back in time with Rebecca Seear, daughter of a Windsor coachman, and discover the enduring magic of horsedrawn carriage rides in Windsor Great Park – a journey that beautifully preserves Victorian transport and rural crafts.
In an age where speed and modernity often overshadow tradition, there are few experiences that so perfectly encapsulate the spirit of a place as a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor Great Park. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on ancient pathways, the gentle sway of the carriage, and the magnificent sight of Windsor Castle appearing through the trees – it’s a scene that transports you to a bygone era. For Rebecca Seear, whose family roots run deep within Windsor's coaching tradition, this isn’t just a business; it’s a vibrant, living legacy, a tangible connection to a past that continues to captivate and enlighten.
"It's about preserving a cherished piece of history," Rebecca explains, "and allowing people to experience Windsor in a truly authentic and timeless manner." Her dedication is not merely professional; it is profoundly personal. "I grew up on a working stable yard on the edge of Windsor Great Park, where both my mother and father trained horses for riding and driving. We lived above the stables – every morning began with the sound of hooves and the familiar scent of hay."
This idyllic, almost pastoral upbringing fostered a deep, innate connection to the very rhythm of this heritage. "From as young as two years old, I would climb onto the carriage beside my father or grandfather. At the time, it seemed ordinary, but looking back, I realise how rare and precious that life was."
The narrative of Windsor's horse-drawn carriages is inextricably woven into the town's rich historical tapestry. Its origins trace back to 1649, when Oliver Cromwell’s Act of Parliament first sanctioned licensed hackney carriages in London. By 1687, Windsor had established its own dedicated taxi stand, swiftly embracing this burgeoning form of transport.
The Victorian era brought considerable changes to Windsor’s landscape, yet the special exemption granted to licensed taxis in 1848, allowing them continued access to The Long Walk, remains a unique privilege held by Windsor Carriages to this day. While other towns transitioned to motorised vehicles, Windsor’s original licenses were never converted, thus solidifying their unparalleled link to this historic tradition and their continued access to the heart of the royal town.
Rebecca’s family is central to this remarkable preservation. Her grandfather, John Seear, began driving carriages on The Long Walk in 1974, having been tutored by George Paget, who, in turn, had learned the craft from a Victorian coachman. Today, Rebecca, working hand-inhand with Head Coachman Jonathan Edwards, ensures this singular historical tradition not only survives but thrives. Jonathan’s horses and family form the backbone of daily operations, augmented by trusted coachmen and their horses from across Britain for larger bookings. This multi-generational commitment guarantees the perpetuation of skills and stories, passed down through five generations, with ambitious plans to bring Windsor’s historic Victorian Landau carriage back to the town in the coming years.
The path to preserving this legacy was not, however, a straight one for Rebecca. "It was simply a way of life," she reflects on her early years. "And when I stepped away from it in adulthood, I began to see how fragile and precious that life really was. I recognised how easily these traditions could disappear. That awareness stayed with me, and ultimately brought me back." Indeed, she admits to a period of rebellion against the lifestyle. "Yes – at one point, I quite literally ran away from it. As a teenager, I discovered cappuccinos and warm offices and thought, 'I’m never mucking out a stable again.'" She built a successful career, reaching the position of Head of Amazon Operations and spending years in the post-production world, living in Los Angeles and working in Hollywood. But destiny, or perhaps a deep-seated pull of heritage, intervened. "In 2015, I took one summer off to spend with my father on the carriage. That summer changed everything. I realised that while I’d achieved a lot, if I didn’t take up the reins, this way of life might disappear entirely." It was a pivotal moment, a conscious decision to dedicate herself to something profoundly meaningful. What does she love most about it now?
"What I love most is creating a sense of wonder for our guests." This enchantment is undoubtedly amplified by her own intimate connection to the landscape. "Driving the same estate lanes I travelled as a child, passing the ancient trees I once climbed, and telling the stories passed down through generations – it all feels full circle. Windsor Great Park is not only beautiful; it’s home."
Windsor Carriages offers a diverse array of meticulously curated experiences, each designed to immerse visitors in Windsor's unique history and undeniable beauty. From intimate marriage proposals to grand corporate team-building events accommodating up to 144 guests, every detail is expertly arranged.
Their "Curated Royal Windsor Service" promises a truly memorable and effortlessly orchestrated visit. Guests can enjoy traditional rides along the iconic Long Walk, offering unparalleled views of Windsor Castle. A knowledgeable guide provides captivating narratives and highlights unique sights, with photo opportunities thoughtfully included along the route. The carriages are fully weatherprotected, complete with blankets and umbrellas, ensuring comfort in any conditions. A dedicated
event coordinator ensures smooth transitions between activities, allowing guests to fully savour their experience.
Beyond the enchanting rides, Windsor Carriages is steadfast in its commitment to honouring Windsor’s traditions whilst looking to the future. This encompasses authentic experiences, the preservation of invaluable traditional skills, and the aspiration for a permanent exhibition at the Royal Borough and Windsor Museum. At the very core of their operation lies the welfare of their magnificent horses – they are, unequivocally, family, and their well-being dictates every decision made.
As one of Windsor’s most venerable attractions, they proudly support their community through partnerships with local independent businesses, charitable endeavours within Windsor, and the ongoing preservation of traditional crafts and skills. Every journey with Windsor Carriages is an invitation to forge lasting memories, seamlessly blending historical authenticity with thoughtful attention to detail, ensuring each guest truly experiences the magic of Windsor’s rich heritage.
Words: Samantha Rutherford
