Examples of items made by Wellington’s two foundries, Bishop Brothers and Ford Brothers, which flourished for about 100 years from the mid-19th Century, still exist around the town.

Most items are cellar doors and stopcock covers but a few lamp-posts made by Bishop Brothers can still be seen, even though most are on private property.

One of these posts is in Buckwell on the site of a current housing development. The developer was not initially aware of the post’s significance as part of Wellington’s industrial heritage but when he learnt of its importance he was keen to retain it as a feature of the site.

The top of the lamppost with its butterfly reflector is unique – all other examples have either a lantern type top or a modern light fitting. A working example of a Bishop Brothers lamppost can be found in Clifford Terrace.

Colin Spackman