Summary
Two late-C19 cast iron lamp posts.
Reasons for Designation
The pair of lamp posts of c1895, at 1 Northwood Road, Highgate, are listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Rarity: although gas lamps were once common feature of the street scene, original examples are increasingly rare;
* Intactness: they are an intact pair with complete glass lanterns and without the additions normally associated with electrical conversion;
* Design quality: not withstanding their humble nature, they are attractive examples with detailed cast mouldings;
* Technological interest: they illustrate a technology which once transformed everyday safety on the streets of England’s towns and cities.
History
Northwood Road first appears on the Ordnance Survey map of 1895 and is not present on the 1870 edition. It is likely that the lamp posts were installed as part of the initial street development as historic images of other roads in Highgate show a proliferation of lamp posts during this period. 1 Northwood Road is set back further than the associated terrace perhaps suggesting that it was originally designed for a use other than residential. It is currently in use as a shop, and the name 'Northwood Dairy' indicates that it may have been a dairy at some time.
Details
MATERIALS: cast iron with frosted glass lanterns.
End of official list entry
