occupation: fly proprietor

[gdmey]

Hi, doing some reserach on my family history I have found out my ggg grandfather was a cab driver in 1867 in Leicester.  He is also mentionned in directories and gazetteers as a "fly proprietor". 
My question now is...  what kind of carriage is a " fly" exactly.  I suppose there was a difference between "a fly" and a "Hansom Cab".

[jyb]

Fly Coachman / Flyman
Fly Proprietor/Master

1) Drove a "fly" a one horse two wheeled light carriage 2) Flyman also a term for a theatre stage hand 3) A Fly Proprietor/Master employed fly drivers for hire and usually owned the flys.

http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/f.html

[gdmey]

Thank you for your reply.  I already know what a Fly Proprietor is.  The big question is, is there a difference between a Hansom Cab and a Fly? 
They both seem to be two wheeled light carriages drawn by one horse and suitable for 2 persons. Doing some research I found: "Hansom (not Handsome) cab is named after Joseph Hansom who first produced them. It is a type of fly" = type of fly;  so not the same as a Hansom Cab then.  But what is the difference?

[wideblueskies]

This glossary of carriages provides some clarification about the different types of carriages, but unfortunately does not describe a 'fly'.  http://www.arnkarnk.plus.com/glossary.htm

Hope this helps a little.