Let us comfort ourselves by thinking that Louis Quatorze in all his glory held his revels in the dark, and bless Mr.Price and other Luciferous benefactors of mankind for abolishing the abominable mutton of our youth." The first gas-lamp appeared in London in the year 1809, Pall Mall being the first and for some years the only street so illuminated.
Gradually, however, the new mode of lighting made way, and stole from the streets into manufactories and public buildings, and, finally, into private houses.

The progress was not very rapid however; for we find that gas was not introduced into the Mall of St.James's Park until the year 1822.

It is difficult to fix the exact date when gas foot-lights appeared upon the stage.

But in the year 1828 an explosion took place in Covent Garden Theatre by which two men lost their lives.
Great alarm was excited.

The public were afraid to re-enter the theatre.