Cockey Lamps Project

These 'art nouveau' style light standards with their distinctive leaf pattern were made by Lewis Cockey of Frome for gas, and later converted to electricity, and are unique to Frome.

Lewis Cockey came from a long established family of clock makers, and first came to Frome in 1685, where he began casting church bells. At least 62 bells in the surrounding areas are known to have been cast by Cockey. Later the family diversified and in the early 19th century began casting for the gas industry. Thanks to Cockey, Frome had gas street lighting as early as 1831.

These lamps are such an important part of Frome's heritage that Frome Town Council has photographed and recorded 70 of the remaining lamps within the town. Some of the lamps are now listed as being of architectural importance.

Photographs of all the lamps already identified can be viewed by clicking here.

You can also view photos of the lamps on the Gallery page.

Please have a look and if you know of any more Cockey lamps that we have missed, let Jane Llewellyn at the Council know by phoning 01373 465757 or email llewellynj@frome-tc.gov.uk so they can be added to the records.