Called The Coronation Lamp this magnificent gas lamp stood in the centre of Market Hill. It was bought by Mr E W King (the Sweet-Pea King) and given to the town to celebrate the coronation of George V in 1911. This wonderful 32-mantle gas lamp was the first automatic gas lamp to be installed in the town albeit erected in December 1911. The lamp was repainted in April 1924 but did not last much longer before it was replaced; it may have suffered an accident or perhaps the parish council found the 32 mantles too expensive to run but what a shame it is not still there. To mark the Coronation the parish council gifted every child with a coronation mug, a 'sumptuous' tea was held in the warehouse of J K King and a 'small drinking fountain' was to be erected on Market Hill. Its not clear if this latter proposal ever came to fruition.
Photo courtesy Douglas Judd
Date c1920.
Ref 101/19b