The BBC reports that Gas street lamps originally invented to burn off dangerous sewer gas are being restored in Sheffield.
The BBC writes:
JE Webb’s cast iron Sewer Gas Destructor Lamps were designed to burn methane and other stagnant gases which regularly accumulated in urban Victorian sewers. They were erected all around the country between 1914 and 1935. Sheffield once had more than 80 of the lamps and now has 25, 20 of which are Grade II listed. Residents began campaigning for the lamps to be restored when the city council’s replacement of every lamppost began, as part of the 25-year Streets Ahead road improvement programme.
JE Webb of Birmingham invented the Sewage Gas Destructor Lamps for places which had pockets of gas, often at the top of hills
Burning mantles created intense 700F heat in the lamp-hood, drawing up sewer gases. As the gases passed through the lamp into the air, smells and bacteria were destroyed by the heat.
Sheffield has four gas-powered lamps, which will remain so after their restoration. The work is due to be finished by December.
