Equestrian Portrait of William Stephens

This equestrian portrait of William Stephens depicts one of Exeter’s most successful coach proprietors of the early nineteenth century. Stephens’ career as coach driver, supplier of horses and innkeeper is a story of a growing business that can be followed from Charmouth, to Axmouth and finally to Exeter and the emerging competition from the railways. In 1807 he was described as being 23 years of age and he was then a coach driver on the London and Exeter Mail. Stephens had a large family of two sons and seven daughters, the latter being known collectively as “the Seven Graces”.