Square street gas lantern with cradle bracket arm, c 1810-1860.

Street gas lantern as in use. Gas street lighting was introduced in around 1807. Early lamp-lighters carried a ladder and hand-held lantern with them, from which they would transfer flame to the lamps' burners after turning on the gas supply tap. By the mid 19th century, they used an ignited gas flame on the end of a pole, which also included a lug for opening the catch of the hinged lamp window and turning the gas tap. The lamp shown here contains a simple batswing burner.