Dragon And Onion Lamp Post Approximately 14 Metres South West Of Number 20

The Dragon and Onion lamp post, located approximately 14 metres south-west of number 20 in Cheltenham, was first lit on 6th February 1897. This cast-iron lamp post was likely designed by the Borough Engineer, Joseph Hall, and cast by Messrs McDowall, Stevens and Company Ltd, based in London and Glasgow. It features a bollard with half-bollards that display shields and the town's motto, 'Salubritas et eruditio'. The lamp holder is arched and adorned with a dragon motif and topped with an onion-shaped finial. Designed for electricity, it is an early and notably elaborate example of its kind. The lamp post cost £9.15s.0d at the time of its installation. The 'dragon and onion' design is derived from the borough's coat of arms, which was granted to the town 11 years after its incorporation in 1876. Similar lamp posts can be found in St Mary's Churchyard, Church Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Street.