The Knowledge
The "Knowledge of London" is the system (invented by a sadist!) which prospective cabbies have to go through, to acquire the rights to ply for hire on the streets of London. This can take up to 4 years of pain and anguish, and hours upon hours of repetitive study, poring over maps and lists of places of interest, to attain the high standards required to pass the final examination to obtain the coveted 'Green Badge'.
The Licensed Taxi Trade was given a Charter by Oliver Cromwell in 1654 which was later reinforced by Charles II, thus making it the oldest licensed transport in the world!
