George Stephenson first invented his miner’s safety lamp, the ‘Geordie’ lamp, in 1815.
The lamps were designed to help prevent explosions underground when naked flames were exposed to the gases present in the atmosphere. Stephenson redesigned his lamp in around 1820.
The new lamp became popular among the region's pitmen because, having both glass and gauze, it was said to give double protection. This type of lamp continued to be used throughout the 1800s until the introduction of electric lighting in mines.
By George Stephenson (1781 – 1848)
On display at Segedunum Roman Fort, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk
