Road Scrapings: Coaches and Coaching

A lively handbook that blends practical coaching advice with the colourful anecdotes of a bygone era, this work invites listeners to step onto the dusty road of 19th‑century stage travel. Drawing on the author’s long experience, it offers clear guidance on handling the reins, maintaining punctuality, and preserving the dignity of the coach, while peppering the instruction with witty tales of daring passengers and eccentric proprietors. The narrative also captures the spirit of the coaching revival, recalling the nostalgia of veteran coachmen who refused to let the tradition fade.

Beyond the mechanics, the book paints a vivid picture of the social world that surrounded these rolling conveyances—noble patrons, bustling inns, and the rivalries of famous routes such as the Brighton and Portsmouth lines. Listeners will enjoy the blend of historical insight and practical tips, all delivered with a tone that feels both instructive and warmly entertaining, making the age of horse‑drawn coaches feel alive once more.