The History of the Lamplighter

Nowadays it is hard to imagine what life would have been like without the aid of streetlights guiding you home. During the 18^th and 19^th century, the streets of the UK were a very dim place to be as streetlights had not been invented. The first kind of streetlights were fuelled by fish oil which would be attached to a wick. It was not until 1807, that the gas streetlight was invented, lit by Frederick Albert Winsor in Pall Mall on a chilly January night, the world of streetlights would be revolutionised.

Illumination of streetlights was down to the work of a Victorian lamplighter. Thought to be trustworthy men, the lamplighter took pride in his work, as it was an essential and important role in the city and bought safety to all those that lived there. The lamplight would set off for his round just before dusk, with a cheery whistle or song and his ladder and repeat the round at dawn to extinguish the light. The lamplighter would rest his ladder against the specially constructed set of horizontal bars, known today as ladder bars, which would support the ladder as he climbed.  Now constructed onto lamp posts for decorative use, the ladder bar is a staple feature on many of our lamp post designs.

Here at English Lamp Posts, we are particularly proud of our collection of lamp posts which mimic that of original productions.  To find the perfect lamp post and lantern to suit your needs and requirements, search our collection here.