Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Margaret Cavendish and the Mechanical Horses of 1660

In 1660, Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, garnered attention for her inventive creation of mechanical horses. These innovative devices, constructed from wood and metal, were designed to emulate the movement of real horses. Cavendish proposed them as alternatives for those who could not afford real horses or had allergies. Despite limited practical use, her mechanical horses captured public fascination, showcasing her creativity and expanding perceptions of technological innovation in the 17th century.