Working as an electrician in Godalming for over a decade, I have always been passionate about the history of electrical advancements, especially in my local area. One of the most significant milestones in electrical history happened right next door, in the town of Godalming. In 1881, Godalming became the first town in the United Kingdom—and the world—to use a public electricity supply for street lighting. This remarkable achievement marked the beginning of a transition from gas lighting to electricity, setting a precedent for future developments in urban illumination.
The Era of Gas Lighting
The Challenges of Gas Lamps
Before the advent of electric street lighting, gas lamps were the primary source of public illumination. Introduced in the early 19th century, gas lighting significantly improved upon older methods, such as oil lamps and candles. However, gas lamps had several drawbacks, including high maintenance costs, safety risks, and inconsistent light quality. Moreover, by the late 19th century, the cost of gas had been steadily rising, prompting town councils to seek alternative lighting solutions.
Godalming’s Bold Step into Electrification
The Decision to Switch
The town authorities in Godalming were among the first to recognise the potential of electric lighting. In 1881, they accepted a proposal from Calder and Barrett, a London-based firm, to implement an electric street lighting system at an annual cost of £195. This decision was driven by both economic and practical considerations, as electricity promised a more efficient and reliable lighting solution compared to gas.
Hydropower: A Sustainable Energy Source
Unlike many early electrification projects that relied on coal-powered steam engines, Godalming’s system was unique in that it utilised hydropower. The River Wey, which ran through the town, powered a waterwheel at Westbrook Mill, owned by the leather processing company R. & J. Pullman. This waterwheel was connected to a Siemens alternator, which generated the electricity needed to power the new street lamps.
The First Public Electric Street Lamps
Installation and Experimentation
The electric lighting system was installed in key locations throughout the town. Three powerful arc lamps, each mounted on 22-foot iron poles, were strategically placed near important landmarks, including the town hall (the Pepperpot), the vicarage, and the town clerk’s office. Additionally, smaller incandescent lamps were installed along side streets, replacing the existing gas lamps. These incandescent lamps were housed in pear-shaped lanterns and connected via bare copper wires.
The First Illumination
The town’s first experiment with electric lighting took place on 26th September 1881, when the upper part of Godalming was illuminated for a few hours. The event attracted widespread public interest, and contemporary reports highlighted the superior brightness and clarity of the new electric lights compared to gas lamps. Encouraged by this success, the system continued to operate in the following weeks, demonstrating the potential of electricity for public lighting.
Public and Private Adoption
Businesses and Homes Join the Revolution
Following the success of the public lighting system, several local businesses and residents sought to adopt electric lighting. One of the first businesses to switch was Stephen Tanner’s drapery shop, which stood on the site now occupied by the Jack Phillips pub. Additionally, the Pullman company installed electric lights within their mill and in the residence of Mr. J. Pullman, showcasing electricity’s growing appeal beyond street lighting.
Technical and Operational Challenges
Issues with Hydropower
Despite its early promise, Godalming’s electric lighting system faced several operational challenges. One major issue was the dependency on the River Wey’s water levels. During periods of low water flow, the electricity supply became inconsistent, leading to fluctuations in lighting quality. As a result, the town began considering alternative power sources.
The Transition Back to Gas
In response to the reliability issues, the generator was relocated to the rear of the White Hart pub, where it was driven by a steam engine. Siemens, the company responsible for operating the system, took over the contract in April 1882. However, by 1884, Siemens declined to renew its contract, and the town decided to revert to gas lighting. Although the electric street lighting experiment had ended, its impact on the future of urban illumination was undeniable.
The Legacy of Godalming’s Electric Lighting
A Pioneering Example
Although Godalming’s first electric lighting system was short-lived, it proved that electricity could be a viable alternative to gas. The project demonstrated the potential of electric lighting for public and private use, encouraging further experimentation and refinement of electrical systems across the UK.
Influence on Future Urban Lighting
Godalming’s experiment inspired other towns and cities to explore electrification. London, for example, adopted electric street lighting shortly thereafter, and by the early 20th century, most urban areas had transitioned from gas to electricity. The lessons learned from Godalming’s experience helped shape the development of more efficient and reliable electrical infrastructure.
Reflections as an Electrician
Why Godalming’s Story Matters to Me
As an electrician with over a decade of experience, I find Godalming’s story particularly inspiring. The town’s willingness to embrace new technology, despite the risks and uncertainties, resonates with me. In my profession, I often see how innovation continues to drive progress in electrical systems, from energy-efficient LED lighting to renewable power sources.
The Continuing Evolution of Electrical Systems
Today, we take electric street lighting for granted, but it’s important to remember the pioneering efforts that made it possible. The challenges faced by Godalming’s early electric lighting system underscore the necessity of resilience and adaptability—qualities that remain essential in the electrical industry. As we move towards a future of smart grids and sustainable energy solutions, the lessons from Godalming remind us that every great innovation begins with a bold step into the unknown.
Godalming’s brief but groundbreaking experiment with electric street lighting in 1881 remains a significant chapter in the history of electrical engineering. The town’s willingness to innovate set a precedent that paved the way for modern urban illumination. As electricians, historians, and citizens, we owe a great deal to the pioneering efforts of towns like Godalming. Their legacy continues to shine, illuminating our understanding of the past and guiding the future of electrical advancements.
If you’re experiencing an electrical emergency in Godalming, power outages, or urgent wiring issues, I’m here to help. With over 10 years of experience serving Godalming and the surrounding areas, I provide fast, professional emergency electrical services to keep your home safe and illuminated.
📞 Call 01483 363 024 now for expert assistance – keeping Godalming lit for over 10 years!