History of Southampton 1820 . On the 4th September 1820 , the towns first gasometer was completed . It would dominate the skyline along the River Itchen for many years to come . After its completion , the town had gas street lighting within a few weeks . The iron pillars to support the gas lights were provided by William Chamberlayne , one of the MPs for the borough . He was also a large shareholder in the gas company , so he may have had more than a passing interest in its expansion . Whatever his motives , the gift was greatly appreciated by the inhabitants and the Corporation . To reflect their gratitude , in August 1822 a large iron column , surmounted by an urn , was erected at the corner of Northern Bridge Road and Above Bar to commemorate Chamberlayne`s generosity . Seven years later the column was moved to Town Quay , as an aid to local navigation . When its role became redundant , it was moved again and for many years was in the centre of a traffic roundabout , near Hoglands Park . More recently it has been moved , yet again , and at present is sited in Houndwell Park .
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 06:53:53 +0000
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