The Frome Valentine Gas Lamp
By Beverly Shackleton-Jones
£14.99 · Paperback
156 pages · Over 100 full colour photographs
Every 14 February, in a small cobbled square in Frome, Somerset, a single flame is lit in a tradition that has captured the town’s heart for more than thirty years.
This illustrated book tells the story of the Frome Valentine Gas Lamp, the world’s only gas lamp dedicated to love. Once a discarded Cockey lamp, it was rescued and restored by inventor Reg Ling in the early 1990s and has since become an enduring symbol of love and light.
Woven through the lamp’s story are the histories that shaped it: the evolution of street lighting, Frome’s Cockey lamps, Saint Valentine’s Day, the postal service and Valentine cards, and the Victorian art of floriography.
All Proceeds from this book will go towards funding the maintenance and repainting of the Valentine Lamp and the continuation of the lamplighting ceremonies.
ISBN 978-1-0676503-6-0
First published 2026
By The Friends of the Frome Valentine Gas Lamp
Shines the light on one of the beloved heritage landmarks that makes Frome so unique.
A fine book beautifully illustrated with many images and poems that celebrate love in all its forms. A must-have for every household in Frome.
This engaging story of rescue, restoration and one man’s tireless dedication convinces me that our lives and actions can themselves be poems.
Inside
Chapter 1. The Beginning — Reg’s Story
Reg Ling’s early life, wartime experiences, National Service in Malaya, marriage to Marie and eventual move from London to Frome. The chapter ends with his discovery of the neglected Cockey lamp that would inspire the Valentine Lamp.
Chapter 2. Street Lighting
The history of street lighting, from link boys and early gas lamps to the work of lamplighters and the development of electric lighting. It also explores Frome’s Cockey lamps, the role of Edward Cockey and J.W. Singer & Sons, and the surviving heritage lamps of the town.
Chapter 3. A New Life, A New Purpose
Reg restores the discarded Cockey lamp and transforms it into a working gas lamp. The addition of the Sugg lantern, George V post box, painted details, flowers and symbolic colours gives the lamp its distinctive Valentine identity.
Chapter 4. The Origins of Saint Valentine’s Day
The chapter traces Valentine’s Day from ancient seasonal and fertility festivals to the story of Saint Valentine and the traditions of courtly love. It also follows the development of the postal service, Valentine cards and the red post box.
Chapter 5. Getting the Lamp and the Site Ready
Reg faces the practical challenges of finding a site, securing permissions, raising funds and preparing the lamp for installation. The chapter describes the creation of Valentine Square, the cobbled heart, bench, plaques and the preparations for the first ceremony.
Chapter 6. A Celebration is Born
The first lamplighting ceremony in 1993 establishes a theatrical annual tradition of rockets, costumes, poetry, music and community participation. The chapter follows the ceremony’s growth, public attention and Reg’s dedication to maintaining it for more than thirty years.
Chapter 7. The Torch is Passed On
In 2025, Reg hands the lamplighter’s role to Eddie Young, ensuring that the tradition can continue. The chapter also celebrates the growing role of music, poetry and local performers in the annual ceremony.
Chapter 8. Significant Moments in the Life of the Lamp
The lamp’s appearances in films, television, press reports, marriage proposals, artistic projects and charitable events demonstrate its growing place in Frome’s cultural life. It also records the lamp’s role in commemorating national events, including the Platinum Jubilee.
Chapter 9. Reg’s Vision for the Lamp
This chapter explores Reg’s unrealised plans for a drinking fountain in Valentine Square and a special Valentine postage stamp. It considers the history of public drinking fountains and reflects on how these ideas might still be realised in the future.
Chapter 10. The Future of the Lamp
The chapter describes the 2014 restoration and considers the ongoing work needed to protect the lamp and continue the annual ceremony. It looks at heritage recognition, community responsibility and the need for future custodians.
Chapter 11. A Few Closing Words from Reg
Reg reflects on the lamp as a symbol of light, love, hope and caring. His words provide a personal and thoughtful conclusion to the story, followed by a final poem celebrating the Valentine Lamp.