Reviving Victorian Elegance: Cast Iron Pavement Light Restoration & Frame Replacement
Published: November 2025 | Leighton Buzzard, UK
Beneath London’s busiest streets, Victorian cast iron pavement lights remain a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering – delicate prisms set in robust iron frames, flooding basements with natural light since the 1880s. But rust, cracked glass, and water ingress threaten their survival.
At The Pavement Light Company Ltd, we are one of only five UK specialists – and among a handful globally – with authentic Victorian moulds to fabricate, restore, and install cast iron pavement lights. From Oxford Street icons to West End theatres, we preserve history while exceeding modern safety standards.
The Legacy of Cast Iron Pavement Lights
Introduced in the late 1880s, these early vault lights used cast iron frames with 100mm × 75mm glass lenses to illuminate coal cellars, wine vaults, and warehouse basements. Unlike later concrete panels, cast iron offered:
- Intricate decorative patterns
- High load-bearing capacity
- Modular repairability
Today, they’re prized in listed buildings, conservation areas, and heritage retail frontages.
Full Restoration & Replacement Services
We offer complete lifecycle care for cast iron pavement lights:
- Corroded Frame Restoration – Structural repairs using traditional welding and patching
- Glass Lens Reglazing – Replacement with 100mm × 75mm or 100mm × 100mm prismatic, clear, or sandblasted lenses
- Concrete Infill Recasting – Hand-troweled to match surrounding paving
- Corrosion Protection – Epoxy primers and protective coatings
- Waterproof Resealing – Bitumen or mastic asphalt joint sealing
- Licensed Waste Removal – Old iron and glass recycled responsibly
Stop leaks with expert resealing →
Step-by-Step: From Ruin to Revival
1. Heritage Survey & Documentation
Photographic records and drawings for conservation officers and architects.
2. Safe Frame Removal (if required)
Sectional lifting with temporary propping over live basements.
3. Authentic Frame Fabrication
New frames cast using original Victorian moulds – exact patterns, weights, and fixings.
4. Precision Lens Installation
- 100mm × 75mm prismatic lenses (standard cast iron)
- Sandblasted options for privacy or light diffusion
- Heritage-weight glass to match loading records
5. Sealing & Finishing
- Hot-pour bitumen joints
- Carborundum slip-resistant topping
- Grout or concrete infill to blend seamlessly
6. Compliance & Certification
- BRE load-tested (75 kN concentrated)
- NRSWA street works compliance
- Hoarding licence support
Need a pavement light licence? → Apply with confidence
Trusted by London’s Landmarks
Our cast iron restorations grace:
- Selfridges, Oxford Street – Full frame and lens replacement
- Levi’s Flagship Store – Heritage-compliant vault lighting
- Royal Court Theatre – Backstage pavement light restoration
- The Adelphi Theatre – Waterproofed cast iron renewal
- Stella McCartney, Old Bond Street – Discreet luxury restoration
Why Choose Cast Iron Restoration?
- Unmatched authenticity – Only original moulds ensure historical accuracy
- Superior durability – Iron frames outlast concrete in high-traffic zones
- Conservation approval – Trusted by English Heritage and local councils
- Future-proofed performance – Modern sealants, glass, and coatings
Compare in-situ concrete panels →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repair a single cracked lens in a cast iron frame?
Yes – we replace individual 100mm × 75mm lenses without disturbing the frame.
Do you fabricate new cast iron frames from scratch?
Yes – using Victorian-era moulds for perfect replication.
Are your repairs waterproof?
Absolutely – with hot-pour bitumen and mastic asphalt sealing.
Do you work in conservation areas?
Yes – with full heritage statements and council liaison.
Begin Your Cast Iron Restoration Today
Preserve your building’s story. Restore its light.
The Pavement Light Company Ltd
46 Westside, Dogget Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1BE
📞 [01525 377513 – Cast Iron Specialist Line]
📧 Request a heritage survey
🕒 Open: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | Sat by appointment
Victorian craft. Modern strength. Timeless light.
Explore Our Heritage Services:
Victorian Cast Iron Pavement Lights →
Emergency Glass Lens Replacement →
Professional Resealing & Waterproofing →
Cast In-Situ Concrete Panels →
Pavement Light Licence Applications →
All Restoration Services →
History of Pavement Lights →
The Pavement Light Company Ltd – Restoring London’s underground heritage, one iron frame at a time.
Company No: 10749794 | Copyright © 2017–2025
