131F. Off New Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire With thanks to Oliver Davison for informing me of this Survivor. Attached to some ornate ironwork that straddles a stone arch (known as 'The Bar') is a top-entry Thorn Beta 5 lantern, for 35 Watt SOX (low pressure sodium) lamps. Despite the Beta 5 being a relatively modern replacement for a much earlier lantern, as the structure carries Grade II* listing, owing to it being part of the original town wall and postern gate, its placement means that it is included in the listing too, and would be likely to require permission for it to be replaced.
The arch is positioned on a steep hill - the sharp gradient being obvious in this image.
The lantern attaches directly to the ironwork through its 3/4" BSP coupler.
Although the Beta 5 is not a heavy lantern, the ironwork is only supported at either end, with nothing holding it at the centre of the arch.
Owing to the steepness of the path, and limited access for a vehicle, maintaining the Beta 5 must have been rather challenging over the years. As can be seen, the clip is no longer able to secure the bowl, requiring two cable ties to hold it in place. The original bayonet lampholder, whilst still present, is no longer used, and an LED retro-fit lamp, connected to a loose Edison Screw lampholder positioned at the other end of the lantern, now provides night-time illumination.
A mid-2000s' Royce Thompson Oasis 2000 photocell provides the automatic switching.
Evidence of the installation's earlier means of switching (prior to the Beta 5's installation) survives on the adjoining wall - a cast iron Revo fuse box containing the incoming electricity supply connects (via a steel conduit system) to a Venner Time Switch enclosure. I doubt that a time switch would remain within the enclosure in the modern era, and if one did, it will have been wired out (or its dial removed) to maintain a permanently-live supply into the lantern.
One final view of the installation from the other side of the arch.
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