Frazer, who is also chair of the Cheadle Civic Society, said Scotch Bob was remarkably talented.
“He was famed in some areas for being able to ride four horses across – quite an unusual number of horses to control all at once.”
Frazer said Scotch Bob’s robust frame, large grey beard and ruddy complexion made him resemble Father Christmas.
He said it was not just Scotch Bob’s physical characteristics that drew the Santa comparisons.
“Stories from past years have described him as being very jovial and pleasant and he would ride his coach, raising his whip and saying hello to people on the way.
“He’s also apparently known to have been quite apt to reciting Robert Burns’ poetry on his travels.”
There are also unverified reports that, in 1908, he gained a British record for travelling the most miles on the same route.
“This is where factual history tends to blur into folklore,” explained Frazer.
“He is believed to have travelled nearly 900,000 miles in his career, although later contemporary research has suggested it’s probably more around 60,000 – still quite a substantial mileage when you’re riding on a horse and coach!”
