Tyne and Wear, UK - English Heritage has listed an iron sewer gas lampost cast by 'Webb Lamp Co Ltd Birmingham' and marked 'J E Webb Patent Sewer Gas Destructor' located in Park Road, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay.

The lampost is surmounted by a large lantern manufactured by William Sugg which contained three large gas mantles burning mains gas which created a strong updraft that flues through the lantern top. The hollow lampost was connected via a pipe below ground to a high point in the mains sewer and thus vented methane gas which was then burned off by the lampost. The lamps were rarely extinguished. Similar lamps in Sheffield were in use until the end of the 20th century.

Methane, one the worst greenhouse gases, has a 72 times stronger effect than carbon dioxide over a 20 year time frame, so burning it would still make sense today.

There are now 25 Webb Lamp Co Ltd patent sewer gas destructor lamps which have been listed by English Heritage in Sheffield and Northumberland, although many others still exist.

The Webb Lamp Co Ltd claims to have been established in 1806, was incorporated in 1901 and dissolved after 2006. William Sugg & Co, still trading as Sugg Lighting, was established in 1837.

English Heritage: List Entry
Google Streetview: Park Road Marine Avenue

Story Type:  News

ID: 64373