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: Historical Historical Theme