London cabmen's shelter dating from 1914 that continues to give much-needed rest to cabbies (if they have The Knowledge) is given listed status after capital's other surviving 12 stops were granted protection

A historic cabmen's shelter that has been providing London's taxi drivers with a much-needed rest since 1914 has been given grade-II listed status.

The shelter, at Wellington Place near Regent's Park, is known locally as 'The Chapel' and is the final rest stop in the capital to be given protection by Historic England.

The wooden huts - the first of which was built in 1875 - provided licenced cab drivers with a place to stop at a time when taxis were horse-drawn.

Only 13 of these shelters survive in London today and all are recognised for their architectural and historical importance.

The small buildings continue to serve modern-day taxi-drivers, although only cabbies with 'The Knowledge' can take a seat inside. 

At their peak of popularity, there were thousands of what were known as hansom cabs in the capital. The last hansom cab driver stopped operating in 1947.

The familiar size, shape and colour of the shelters helped cabbies to spot them easily. They are all the same size - no bigger than a horse and cart.

They were built by the Cabmen's Shelter Fund and all bear the initials of the organisation. 

The shelters were designed by architect Maximillian Clarke. All of the surviving 13 were restored in a campaign by Heritage of London Trust during the 1980s and 1990s.

The shelters were needed because London cabmen were prohibited by law from leaving their cabs unattended in the rank.

There was no protection from the elements while the cabbies were on the job, so access to hot food and somewhere to rest was very welcome.

Before the shelters were introduced, cabbies had to resort to stopping at a pub. This left them tempted to drink too much, risking their own and their passengers' safety.

The idea for the shelters was first proposed by Captain George C Armstrong, editor of The Globe newspaper.

He had been left unable to get a cab during a storm because the drivers had all sought refuge in local pubs.

So he decided to band together a group of wealthy and influential philanthropists to provide a solution.

He set up the Cabmen's Shelter Fund in London in 1875 and the first stop was built that year. 

From then until 1950, 61 shelters are known to have been built across London. The first was built on Acacia Road in St John's Wood, outside Captain Armstrong's home.

The shelters had a small kitchen and space for around 10 drivers to sit and enjoy a meal, as well as each other's company.

Gambling, drinking and swearing were banned. 

Drivers who choose to take The Knowledge must memorise 25,000 streets and 100,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross.

The exam dates back more than 150 years to 1865, having been introduced after the Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, which saw many visitors complain about how cab drivers did not know the route. 

Luke Jacob, listing adviser at Historic England, said: 'Full of intrigue, history, tea and bacon sarnies, London's well-loved cabmen's shelters are distinctive relics of the horse-drawn age in the capital. 

'Originally built from 1875 for the drivers of London's Hansom cabs, they continue to serve both passers-by and cab drivers on the ranks today. 

'As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Cabmen's Shelter Fund it is fitting that the final shelter on Wellington Place – lucky number 13 – has received the official recognition it deserves through listing.'

Colin Evans, trustee of the Cabmen's Shelter Fund, said: 'We're really pleased that the Wellington Place shelter now has protected status, along with all the other remaining shelters. 

'We know how special the shelters are but we need the London taxi trade and public's support more than ever so that this important part of our heritage and working class history lives on.'

Dr Nicola Stacey, director of Heritage of London Trust, said: 'We're proud to have helped save the 13 shelters over the last 40 years. 

'These are unique London landmarks as well as an ingenious Victorian solution to the frenetic city streets.

'Today they're still a sanctuary for the London cabbie community.'