King George V and Queen Mary riding in the 'Balmoral' Sociable, July 1930.

A sociable (short for sociable coach) or barouche-sociable is an open, four-wheeled carriage described as a cross between a barouche and a victoria, having two double seats facing each other. It might be controlled from the interior by an owner-driver or have a box for a coachman. A pair of folding hoods protect the passengers. The carriage is drawn by either a single horse in shafts or a matching pair in pole gear.

The Balmoral Sociable is a carriage of the Royal Mews (so named because its interior is lined with Balmoral tartan); it is still used on occasion.[1]

See also

Barouche

References

  1. "Royal marries in Windsor wedding". 17 May 2008 via news.bbc.co.uk.

Sources

  • Discovering Horse-drawn Vehicles, D. J. Smith, Shire Publications 1994
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