The Human Streetlamps of Old London

Before electricity, wealthy Londoners hired boys to carry flaming torches so they could walk home safely at night. These link-boys were essentially living streetlights for hire.

During the 18th century, dark city streets were dangerous places filled with mud and thieves. For the price of a single farthing, a link-boy would guide you through the gloom using a torch made of pitch and rough fiber. While they provided a vital service, they were also sometimes accused of leading unsuspecting travelers into traps. Once gas streetlights became common in the 1800s, this once-essential profession vanished forever.