Harris at Coventry, and at other
places. In 1813 the London and Westminster Gas Company secured
the services of Mr. Clegg, and from that time forwards their
career was one of prosperity. In 1814 Westminster Bridge was
first lighted with gas, and shortly after the streets of St.
Margaret's, Westminster. Crowds of people followed the
lamplighter on his rounds to watch the sudden effect of his flame
applied to the invisible stream of gas which issued from the
burner. The lamplighters became so disgusted with the new light
that they struck work, and Clegg himself had for a time to act as
lamplighter.
The advantages of the new light, however, soon became generally
recognised, and gas companies were established in most of the
large towns. Glasgow was lit up by gas in 1817, and Liverpool
and Dublin in the following year. Had Murdock in the first
instance taken out a patent for his invention, it could not fail
to have proved exceedingly remunerative to him; but he derived no
advantage from the extended use of the new system of lighting
except the honour of having invented it.[11] He left the benefits
of his invention to the public, and returned to his labours at
Soho, which more than ever completely engrossed him.
Murdock now became completely identified with the firm of Boulton
& Watt. He assigned to them his patent for the slide-valve, the
rotary engine, and other inventions "for a good and valuable
consideration.
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