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Downing Street, London: Cast Iron Lamppost.
The Downing Street lighting column is probably the most technical of any column design. Close study reveals the artistic genius of the original designer, surely a strong hint of Cleopatra's Needle present. Examples may be found outside many of London's Royal Residences still using gas lanterns. Those at the Brighton Royal Pavilion carry the monogram WR 1V and the Royal Crown cast into the base. The Duke of Windsor took one of these columns to his home in France to remind him of England.
To add further Historical interest these columns are still in use today to light Britain's most famous street (Downing Street) with the old Borough of St Margaret (now combined with Westminster City Council) and the House of Commons Crest cast into the Base of the column.
The Matching Bollard is also used by the Royal Residences, not to be confused by the smaller copies of this design.
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The Downing Street Column was first used by King William then the Borough of St Mary later Westminster.
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The Parish of St Margaret with its Crest on the Downing Street Columns this Metropolitan Borough of Westminster was formed in 1900. With its Cross Doves and English Rose's and the House of Commons insignia.
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Drawing of the Downing Street Column & Carriage Bollard.
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