Welcome to The Victorian Emporium historical publications
Historical Publications
Welcome to the History area of The Victorian Emporium. Here you can view and read all of our history articles.
History of lighting
The first public street lighting was with gas. Many Victorian gas lanterns are still used but their gas mantels have now been replaced and converted to use electricity.
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…