George Shillibeer

1797 -1866

George Shillibeer, a resident of Chigwell Row, lived in an Elizabethan manor house named ‘The Grove’. He worked as a coach maker in Bloomsbury and was responsible for building the first two omnibuses in England, which began operating on July 4th, 1829.  These forerunners of the modern bus followed a route from Paddington through Marylebone Road and City Road to The Bank of England and could carry 16 to 18 passengers. They were quite successful until the advent of railways led to his business's decline. Later, he designed a hearse and a carriage for mourners. Shillibeer acquired 49.9 acres of land, once part of Hainault Forest, in perpetuity for the benefit of local residents; now known as Chigwell Row Recreation Ground and Local Nature Reserve. He passed away in 1866 and was buried at St. Mary’s Church in Chigwell. Shillibeer Walk in Chigwell Row is named in his honour. 'The Grove', where he had lived, was being used as a club when it caught fire in 1962, sustaining significant damage that led to its demolition.