Queen Victoria’s aunt, Queen Adelaide, was the first member of the British Royal Family to travel by train from Nottingham to Leeds in 1840. In the same year, a carriage for her exclusive use was constructed by London & Birmingham Railway. The overall design was based on an 1837 coach that was intended for first-class passengers. The under frame of ‘Queen Adelaide’s Saloon’ No. 2 was constructed at Euston Works and the body was constructed by a coach builder based in Gough Street in London.

Described as a ‘bed-carriage’, it was purpose-built for Queen Adelaide so she could travel overnight and at long distances. Poles, webbing and stiff cushions were utilised to make up a bed at nighttime.

To suit a member of the Royal Family, the coach was finished in an elaborate red livery with gold-plated handles and a hand-painted coat of arms insignia on the exterior panels. The bodywork was completed by Hooper, who was later known for its connections with luxury car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce and Daimler. ‘Queen Adelaide’s Saloon’ is the oldest surviving royal carriage and is housed at the National Railway Museum in York.

A regal coach suited for a Queen, this L&BR coach is a perfect replication of the preserved example. The accessory bag contains two chain couplings.