Hidden Histories On Our Streets

Lamp posts – Whilst the vast majority are modern, a surprising number of much older lamp posts still exist. Many gas lights were converted to use light bulbs from the late 19th century onwards. Some gas lamp posts survive albeit with modern timera and lighting mechanisms. Many 20th century electric lamp posts have been retrofitted with modern bulbs / LEDs.

Feeder pillars – These cabinets contain electrical equipment that distributes power to homes and businesses. They are still used in our modern electricity network; however, some historical cabinets survive from the days when Worcester Corporation was responsible for generating power.

Pavement lights – These covers contain cut glass prisms that refract light from above into an underground cellar or vault.

Many gates, posts and metal fencing was removed during WWII yet a surprising amount escaped the war effort. After the war, some were replaced, and many were not. In both cases, the maker’s name can often be found as part of the casting. Worcester’s local foundries feature prominently; however, all except one are no longer in business (Heenan & Froud still exist but does not produce posts or panels).

Manhole covers – Placed over a hole that is used by people to access a space below such as a storm drain or sewer.

Footway box covers – Placed over small boxes that contain underground utility cables or pipes. They are typically used for the telecommunications network.

The majority of these covers are relatively modern and made from lightweight yet durable alloys. A few, however, date back to the 19th century and many from the 20th. Care must be taken with such items as they are regularly removed and re-used; therefore, a cover that details its purpose may not be an indication of that purpose ever existing at the site it is now located.

Milestones – Originally conceived by the Romans, milestones are stone columns or posts that measure the distance between destinations. From 1767, milestones were compulsory on all British turnpikes, to inform travellers, help coaches keep on schedule, and charge for changes of horses at coaching inns. Originally made of stone with engravings, cast iron plaques were attached later on as the engravings wore and the information became harder to read.

Markers – Numerous markers remain and most we take for granted. For instance, fire hydrant signs are everywhere; however, many are modern and we may miss those that date back to the early 1900s. Gas, water and telephone markers are on every street, usually on short stubby concrete posts. There are also cast iron markers for the original Worcester branch of the national telegraph network.

Scattered amongst our streets are a few examples of cast-iron poles that have somehow survived many years of “progress”. Most are ornate since they can be fluted or even twisted (like an old fashioned barley sugar cane). The majority are currently used as either fire hydrant signs or hold street name signage. A few have lost whatever item it was they were designed for but their function was assumed by the fixing plate and their proximity to a street corner or fire hydrant cover.

Many plaques or stones memorialise events gone by. Whether it be the opening of public spaces, famous businesses, or the plaque details the history of a street. Some historical signs survive, such as those prohibiting certain activities such as cycling or causing a nuisance.

Many post boxes from the reign of previous monarchs survive. There are also objects from the different eras of the Post Office, from the GPO to British Telecom.

There are many historic water pumps, drain pipes and drain grates dotted around our streets. Whilst these can be rusty and dirty, many contain a maker’s name, which can be used to roughly date. A few objects can be surprisingly ornate, particularly those found on or near churches.

All objects that do not fall under the categories above.

No, the coordinates for some markers are not 100% accurate because some are very small or remote. We are limited in our accuracy with the available resources at our disposal. The map locations are as near to the exact coordinates of the marker as possible, and you will still be able to find them using the map.

No, some markers do not contain photos.

No, we do not provide information for all markers. We do not know the manufacturer or dates for many of our markers and some are quite obscure; therefore, we cannot provide any verified information. We still think this is no means to exclude markers as we want to cover as many as we can regardless.

We categorise markers firstly based on their direct purpose. If this cannot be ascertained, we categorise secondly based on their overall industrial classification. For example, the GPO cable markers indicated where major telegraph cables once existed; therefore, we categorise them as ‘Signs & Markers’. If their direct purpose was unknown, we would categorise them under ‘Telecoms & Post’.