Dragon And Onion Lamp Post Behind Number 33 Imperial Square

The 'Dragon and Onion' lamp post, located behind Number 33 Imperial Square in Cheltenham, was first lit on 6 February 1897. It was likely designed by the Borough Engineer, Joseph Hall, and cast by Messrs McDowell, Stevens and Company Ltd, based in London and Glasgow. This cast-iron lamp post features a bollard with half-bollards adorned with shields and the town's motto 'Salubritas et Eruditio'. It has an arched lamp-holder and a dragon design, topped with an onion-shaped finial. This lamp post was intended for electricity, making it an early and notably elaborate example of its kind. The design motif is derived from the coat of arms of the borough, which was granted to the town 11 years after its incorporation in 1876. Similar lamp posts can be found in Cambray Place, St Mary's Churchyard, Church Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Street.