A brougham is a type of closed horse drawn carriage which was invented in the early 19th century and used extensively throughout the Victorian era. The style of the design was also used in the design of early automobiles, and some car companies continued to produce a “Brougham” model through the 1960s. Horse drawn broughams can still be seen at horse fairs and special occasions, and are in many cases restored Victorian broughams. A restored brougham can command a high price at market, since it often includes many handmade components and accents.
Several things distinguish a brougham. The first is that the carriage is entirely closed, with passengers entering through a center door on the side, typically. The carriage also has four wheels, and usually includes two facing bench seats with an aisle between them. The driver sits outside the carriage, traditionally on an exposed seat which is higher than the seats used by the passengers so that the driver can see ahead. A brougham is also a one horse carriage, designed to be pulled by a single horse rather than a pair or set.
The design was developed in the early 1800s by Henry Peter Brougham, who also happened to be the first Baron of Brougham and Vaux. He was endowed with the title in recognition for his many contributions to society, and the Baron was also a notable abolitionist, among many other things. The simple, stylish design of the carriage caught on, and many upper class households ordered broughams for use during inclement weather, since the sheltered carriage was very snug.
As is the case with many four wheeled carriages, the brougham would have been less than comfortable when it was first developed, due to lack of a springy, solid suspension. Later variants on the design would have included more robust suspensions which made the brougham more comfortable for long trips and on rough roads. The design also usually included a hatch for luggage, so that carried belongings did not get soiled along the journey.
Out of the many carriage designs which existed during the 19th century, the shape and style of the brougham were considered highly suitable for adaptation to the engine. As a result, many early cars look suspiciously look broughams without horses attached. As car design diversified, the brougham shape was gradually lost, although the lines of the brougham can still be vaguely seen in boxy sedans.
