Illustration of Steam Powered Coach

Taken from Derby Works Collection. Drawing of a steam powered coach designed by Dr Church, 1833.

Church's three-wheeled omnibus was used by the London and Birmingham Steam Carriage Company and could carry up to 44 passengers. Only half of them were provided with seats inside.

Although steam passenger omnibuses ran on Britain's road between 1820 and 1840, roads were poor, and their passengers were soon taken by railways, which provided a more comfortable and efficient service.