carriages

A carriage is a road vehicle drawn by horses or other draft animals, designed to carry passengers. The term also covers railway passenger cars, or carriages, pulled by locomotives. Carriages vary widely in size and style, serving everyday transport, ceremonial purposes, or sport.

Carriages evolved in Europe from medieval to early modern times. Light coaches—phaetons, gigs, curricles—emphasized speed and style, while heavier forms such as barouches, landaus, and victorias offered comfort and display. Stagecoaches and mail coaches connected towns and markets. Improvements in springs and construction by the late 19th century enhanced ride quality, but horse-drawn carriages declined as motor vehicles became dominant.

Construction commonly combined a wooden frame with metal fittings and leather interiors. Wheels used wooden spokes with iron rims; horses were attached by shafts or poles. Suspension relied on leaf springs, and braking was rudimentary in earlier designs. Styles varied by purpose and class, shaping the vehicle’s silhouette and seating arrangements.

Railway carriages, or coaches, are enclosed passenger compartments built to run on tracks and pulled by locomotives. They range from simple transit cars to luxury or dining coaches, and modern stock uses standardized couplings, bogies, and systems for heating, ventilation, and safety.

Today, horse-drawn carriages are primarily used for ceremonies, tourism, and historical demonstrations. Museums, heritage railways, and private collections preserve older examples, while regulations govern their operation on public streets to ensure safety with motor traffic.