In the third in a series looking at West Leeds buildings and monuments at risk MARK STEVENSON looks at the gas lamps at St Thomas Church in Stanningley.
Under threat: Street lamps in Stanningley. Photo; Mark Stevenson
In 1844 the Pudsey Coal Gas Company won the right to light with gas the township of Pudsey, the village of Farsley, the parish of Calverley and to incorporate a company and levy rates.
At risk: Gas lamps at St Thomas Church. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Pudsey Coal and Gas Company was located on Kent Road in the 1870’s – the building is still there now.
Kent Road, Pudsey: Clocks made by Potts. Photo: Google
You may have noticed it in passing it has a clock tower with three clock faces, the clocks been made by the world-famous Potts Clock.
Forgotten heritage? One of the run-down street lamps. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Some of the first places other than public buildings and highways to get gas lamps were churches.
Ornate detail: One of the Stanningley lamps. Photo: Mark Stevenson
St Thomas Church in Stanningley still has its original gas lamps dating from the 1850’s although they are in a bad state of repair.
It would be interesting to know where they were made as Stanningley was well-known for making them.
There are 18 monuments and buildings at risk in West Leeds.
Some time back I heard talk of a street light that runs on dog poo.
The poo goes into a methane digester and the light runs on the gas.
Perhaps these heritage lamps could be put to work in a similar way?
Hi Mark, I think “Isles” Foundry at Stanningley made Gas Lamp Posts.