Riding Without Reins

Apparently the 1860's version of reckless driving in England was riding without reins. In researching Charles Sherman who died in 1861 at the young age of 39, I came across an article in the Reading Mercury regarding the inquest of Charles.

Charles was seen riding without reins, slipped to the ground and was run over by the waggon (which was carrying coal) and was killed almost immediately. His inquest revealed that he had been fined a year previously for the same offense. The Coroner "expressed the hope that the circumstance might serve as a warning to others."



I was trying to understand what a coal wagon might look like and found this picture on the website http://www.faircloughfuel.com/aboutUs.html. I think it is from a later period of time - just based on the appearance of the men. 

I do think it is interesting that young men were driving recklessly even in the 1860's. It's not a contemporary phenomena.