On Wednesday (April 15), the Five Lamps was carefully removed from its long-standing home, between John Adams Way and Liquorpond Street.
The Grade-II listed structure was originally based in Market Place. It was erected in 1927 to replace a bulkier, mid-19th century lamp standard (also known as the Five Lamps) in a bid to improve traffic flow.
The feature would go on to be removed from the Market Place about 1970, partly because it was becoming damaged from people climbing it (or attempting to do so).
Now, it is to be restored and reinstalled as part of the Rosegarth Square redevelopment scheme.
The scheme aims to transform the area between the town’s bus station and the River Haven, utilising £14.8 million in Government funding.
“This restoration will help preserve the lamps for future generations, before they return in a new, prominent position within the regenerated public realm,” a spokesman for Boston Borough Council said.
A social media post from Boston Borough Council about the start of the restoration process received a warm welcome from followers – “Great to see the lovely things in the town being restored,” commented one; “It’s part of dear old Boston” said another.
1. The Five Lamps, Boston
LEFT: A close-up of the top of the Five Lamps following its removal, showing the need for restoration work. RIGHT: The remainder of the Five Lamps still in place ... though not for long. Photo: Boston Borough Council
2. The Five Lamps, Boston
LEFT: The Five Lamps, in the Market Place, in 1968, as work took place to install an 80ft replacement to the 1920s-era lamp standard. RIGHT: How it appeared in its most recent location, between John Adams Way and Liquorpond Street, up until last week. Photo: Boston Standard
3. The Five Lamps, Boston
The Five Lamps was donated to the town by former Mayor and Chairman of the Highways Committee, Alderman Charles Day. This picture, taken last year, shows how the base could also benefit from restoration work. Photo: Boston Standard
4. The Five Lamps, Boston
Another photo of the Five Lamps from the Boston Standard archives. This was taken by Standard photographer Gary Atkinson using a fish-eye lens, also in 1968. Photo: Boston Standard