Historical Publications - Lighting

History of lighting

During the 18th and 19th century the nights were a painfully dim place to be. Apparently, the original lighting in London was so poor in 1763 that James Boswell was able to have sex with a prostitute on Westminster Bridge. The shadows and gloom of the pre-electrified world not just provided privacy for Mr Boswell's actions but it was also a haven for crime. If there was no moonlight, people would find their way with personal lanterns and…