1830: The earliest street lighting in Peterborough - using tallow candles - appears to have been in Westgate in the mid to late eighteenth century. By the end of the century, various oils, including whale oil and later colza oil (a non-drying oil obtained from rape seeds), were being used. As the nineteenth century progressed, some started to consider the use of coal gas for lighting purposes. The British Gas Light Co. was formed in 1824, but discussion between it and Peterborough broke down. it didn't stop the city getting gas lighting, though. John Malam had been trained by Matthew Boulton in the creation and use of gas for lighting. His equipment was in use at the Westminster Gas Works in London when he set up his own private company at the northern end of St John's Street with the aim of supplying gas lighting to Peterborough's streets. His first gas lamp came into use in City Road - the first lamp being lit on this day. By 1844, most of Boonfield had gas lamps as well. Malam's business was eventually taken over by Theo Sawyer, an ironmonger in Narrow Bridge Street. In 1868, the company would become the Peterborough Gas Co., with a £10,000 capitalisation.