Joseph Aloysius Hansom is probably best known as the inventor of the Hansom Cab, which became so popular in the Victorian period. However, Hansom received only £300 for his invention, and was more successful as an architect.
The Museum & Art Gallery, New Walk
Hansom designed the Nonconformist Proprietary School in New Walk with its striking Tuscan columns. The school opened in 1837, but was not a success, and the building was purchased by the Borough Corporation in 1847. Two years later it became a museum, when the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society presented its collection to the municipality.
Leicester College of Adult Education. Belvoir Street
The former United Baptist Chapel was designed by Joseph Hansom and built in 1842. For generations it has been known locally as 'The Pork Pie Chapel' because of its distinctive appearance. Made redundant as a Baptist church in 1939, it is now part of the College of Adult Education.
