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New Bridge Street and the Obelisk in 1755, (1897). Creator: Unknown
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New Bridge Street and the Obelisk in 1755, (1897). Creator: Unknown
New Bridge Street and the Obelisk in 1755, (1897). View of the obelisk on New Bridge Street at the junction of Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill in London, looking towards Blackfriars Bridge. The Atlas Insurance Office is on the left. For over a century and a half after his death, it was believed... that [John] Wilkes was commemorated by an obelisk with lights attached to it at the southern end of Farringdon Street... An inspection of the Corporation Records in 1949, however, proved that this had originally been erected by the Blackfriars Bridge Committee as a street lamp, and had had Wilkes name placed on it only because it was put up in his mayoralty. The obelisk had deterioriated to such an extent by this time, that, when in the following year, an attempt was made to dismantle it, it disintegrated. From Old and New London, Volume I, by Walter Thornbury. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, 1897]
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Media ID 18097667
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Blackfriars Bridge Blackfryars Bridge Cassell Company Ltd George Walter George Walter Thornbury Insurance Insurance Company Lamp Ludgate Hill Obelisk Old And New London Publisher Street Lamp Street Light Streetlighting Thornbury New Bridge Street
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, titled "New Bridge Street and the Obelisk in 1755" takes us back to the bustling streets of London in 1897. The image captures a view of the obelisk on New Bridge Street, standing proudly at the junction of Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill. As we gaze towards Blackfriars Bridge, our eyes are drawn to the Atlas Insurance Office on the left. Interestingly, for many years it was believed that this obelisk with lights attached to it was a commemoration of John Wilkes, an influential figure in London's history. However, a surprising revelation came about during an inspection of Corporation Records in 1949 - it was discovered that this structure had actually been erected as a street lamp by the Blackfriars Bridge Committee. It had only been adorned with Wilkes' name due to his mayoralty. Unfortunately, by this time, the obelisk had deteriorated significantly. In an attempt to dismantle it in the following year, it disintegrated completely. This photograph serves as a valuable record of its existence before its demise. With its monochrome charm and architectural details from both centuries past (18th and 19th), this image transports us back in time. It allows us to appreciate not only London's ever-evolving landscape but also sheds light on historical misconceptions surrounding significant landmarks like this mysterious obelisk-turned-street lamp.
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