Jonas Hanway's Handy Gadget


Jonas Hanway's Handy Gadget

First Englishman in London to use an umbrella - 1750.

Location: Hanway House, Red Lion Square, WC1R

Description: A long time ago, 1750 to be exact, Jonas Hanway did a fine thing for Londoner's everywhere... he will go down in history as the first Englishman to use an umbrella in London.

As an intrepid explorer and traveller of Russia and Persia, it seems nothing could have prepared him for the 'scorn of the mob' that he endured when using this strange rain deflector.

But of course...by the time of his death in 1786, umbrella's were in common use and completely indispensable!

Tours: The London Inventions Tour

Themes: HistoricalHistorical Theme  QuirkyQuirky Theme
Jonas Hanway's Handy Gadget

First Englishman in London to use an umbrella - 1750.

Ranking This Month: 1879/3089

Pages Hit This Month: 50


Credits: Judy Lloyd

Your Comments:

Name:
Email:
Your email will ONLY be used once, to confirm the publication of your comments. We value your contribution and privacy.

Anti-spam Security: Please enter this code:


Other places nearby:


Ballast Quay», 5.5km

Wimbledon Turnstile», 6.6km

The Walthamstow Windmill», 7.9km

Charles II 's Special Road», 2.5km

Boston Manor House », 8.8km

Eisenhower HQ en suite», 1.6km

Chalk... but no Cheese», 3.4km

A Stiff Collar's The Clue», 0.9km

History made at Earls Court», 3.8km

Jonas Hanway's Handy Gadget», 0km

Location Pinpointed:


Open Street Maps», Google Maps»