COACH. ENGLAND, LATE 16TH CENTURY

The open coach made in England at the end of the 16th century is the oldest coach in the Armoury Chamber and the single extant coach in the world of this type. It was presented to Tsar Boris Godunov by King James I of England in 1603, right after his accession to the throne. Such a significant gift from the new king is indicative of England’s striving for strengthening diplomatic and commercial relations with Russia after their deterioration at the end of the 16th century. Researchers unanimously recognize this old coach as a world artistic masterpiece. Its body is mounted on belts and covered by curtains. Folding steps play the role of doors. The upholstery is made of a very expensive and rare Italian velvet. The coach is magnificently adorned with high relief wood carving showing the battles between Christians and Moslems and hunting scenes.

The word 'kolymaga' has Turkic origin and means 'big wagon'. The driver had to walk next to this coach or sit on one of the leading horses to lead the coach. A great deal of space was needed to turn the coach around and the wheels had to be moved by hand on sharp turns. That's why it took a lot of time to travel in this carriage.