The enduring glow of London's historic gas lamps

London's gas lamps, which have cast their glow on the city for more than 200 years, have been nearly extinguished by the prevalence of cleaner, more efficient and brighter light sources, like LEDs. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with one of London's last lamplighters, and with gaslight enthusiasts who have fought to protect these historic fixtures.

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[JillKnapp]

The fact that they're better for birds and pollinators makes it a no-brainer. The light is so beautiful, too.

[Dubjaxfilms]

As a Londoner I see them frequently, the light from them is quite distinct, it's warm and reassuring, I'm glad we still have them.

[-rb]

As a Londoner I didnt even know we still had these. Love it, hope they remain forever. I will be keeping an eye out for them from now on.

[wolverineeagle]

My great-great-grandfather was a London lamplighter in the 1870’s.

[melbaker]

It's so important to preserve that unique something extra about a city. In San Francisco it was the last ditch effort to save the Cable Cars. Even though they are far more dangerous to ride than a bus, they are one of the glorious something different about my city. Yes, they are mostly tourist vehciles for the most part, but if I can ever decide I need to travel those three routes I will and it's always a thrill to hear that trolley bell ring. Good on London for keeping another piece of their history alive.

[jaydibernardo]

Me Mum would be proud these are being saved. RIP Rita.

[crash_test_dummy_]

We've gotten too caught up in the race for energy efficiency and forgot about quality. Light really sets the mood. These vintage lamps are a good reminder.

[WealthFreedom-lg]

Those lamps are beautiful! I hope that they keep them!!!!

[astra-rbsz]

So glad they are still there . Love them.

[reckersworld]

Lighting sets the mood. What do we want to feel when in London. Do we want a cosy warmth or a cold disinfectant.

[josephprice]

There is a scene in Muppets Christmas Carol where Fozzie Bear says, "Look my lads, the lamplighters are at work, Tis Christmas Eve for certain." Since my children were small, every Christmas Eve when the streetlights start coming on while we are headed for candlelight services, I say that line. I skipped it one year when they were teenagers, and I caught holy Hell for not saying it. That and my wife reading the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas before we go to bed are cherished memories. They are all in their late 20s and even now the last family activity on Christmas Eve is her reading that book with the kids all around sitting on the floor.

[joesprague]

Stories like this are what make CBS Sunday Morning the best program on TV.

[zoecunningham]

A quaint timeless charm, & beauty. Not all areas should evolve with modernization

[JonasM.M.]

that is exactly why i love london so very much things like this alongside century old little shops combined with the overall politness everywhere jsut make this city so magial there oen still has a heart for the detail

[galepatrick]

- these lovely gas lighting lamps remain to give character to the city - grateful to those who made it happen
and to those who maintain them - this is a warm heart story of preserving something special-

[G]

I’m an almost 50 year old Londoner and I must say I hadn’t realised that we still had gas lamps on the streets. I worked in Westminster for years as well 😂

[NativeNYer]

My grandpa saw these lights, he was born in London in the early 1900s. Very cool.

[willrichardson]

Really beautiful and the sort of touch that makes London unique.

[rosehughes]

These definitely add charm to London! I’ve been to London so many times and never thought about the lights!

[Pius-XVI]

We still have then in Boston and Philadelphia