The next part of the subject that presents itself is the conveyance
of goods from one part of the metropolis to another. This, as I have
before said, is chiefly effected by vans, waggons, carts, drays, &c. It
has already been shown that the number of carriers’ waggons, throughout
Great Britain, in 1848, was 1,250, while the carriers’ carts were no
less than 1,700 odd, or very nearly 3000 in all. This was 800 more than
they were in 1840.
Of the number of horses engaged in the “carrying trade,” or rather that
particular branch of it which concerns the removal of goods, there are
no returns, unless it be that there were 2000 horses under 13 hands
high ridden by the waggoners of this kingdom.
The number of carriers, carters, and waggoners throughout Great
Britain, at the time of taking the last census, was 34,296, of whom
25,411 were located in England, 7802 in Scotland, 940 in Wales,
and 143 in the British Isles. Of the 34,296 carriers, carters, and
waggoners, throughout Great Britain, in 1841, 30,972 were males of 20
years of age and upwards, while, in 1831, the number was only 18,859,
or upwards of 10,000 less; so that between these two periods the
trade must have increased at the rate of 1000 per annum at least. I
am informed, however, that the next returns will show quite as large
a decrease in the trade, owing to the conveyance of goods having been
mainly transferred from the road to the rail since the last-mentioned
period. The number of carriers, carters, and waggoners engaged in the
metropolis in 1841 was 3899, of whom 3667 were males of twenty years
of age and upwards. In 1831 there were but 871 individuals of the same
age pursuing the same occupation; and I am assured, that owing to the
increased facilities for the conveyance of goods from the country to
London, the trade has increased at even a greater rate since the last
enumeration of the people. The London carriers, carters, and waggoners,
may safely be said to be now nearer 8000 than 4000 in number.