Old Coaching Days

Old Coaching Days: Some Incidents in the Life of Moses James Nobbs, the Last of the Mail Coach Guards is a captivating memoir that transports readers to the golden era of English mail coaches, chronicling the remarkable life and adventures of Moses James Nobbs, the last surviving mail coach guard. Through vivid anecdotes and personal recollections, Nobbs offers a unique window into a bygone age when horse-drawn coaches thundered across the countryside, carrying passengers, parcels, and the Royal Mail. The book delves into the daily routines, challenges, and dangers faced by coach guards, from braving treacherous weather and rough roads to outwitting highwaymen and ensuring the safe delivery of the mail. Nobbs recounts thrilling incidents, memorable characters, and the camaraderie among coachmen, guards, and passengers, painting a lively portrait of travel and communication before the advent of the railway. Rich in historical detail, Old Coaching Days also explores the social and technological changes that marked the decline of the coaching era, offering insights into the impact of the railways and the end of a cherished tradition. Nobbs's narrative is infused with nostalgia, humor, and a deep affection for the world he inhabited, making this book an invaluable resource for historians, enthusiasts of transport history, and anyone fascinated by the romance and adventure of the open road. With its blend of personal memoir and historical observation, Old Coaching Days preserves the legacy of the mail coach guard and celebrates a pivotal chapter in British history, ensuring that the spirit of the coaching age lives on for future generations.