Until the introduction of gas lighting in 1817, Bristol's streets were lit by oil lamps maintained by the authorities and lit each night by lamplighters. These lamps were inadequate to light the city so in the early 1800s, people pioneered the use of gas, which produced a reliable, steady and cheap flame.

From 1811, John Breillat, a silk dyer and calenderer (cloth finisher), publicly demonstrated gas lighting in his shop at No.56, Broadmead and outside in the street. At first Bristol citizens were unconvinced but by 1815, three years after the world's first gas company had been set up in London, the Bristol Gas Light Company was formed. Breillat was appointed its superintendent and shares in the company went on sale. When enough money had been made at the end of 1816, gas mains were laid in Water Lane, Temple Street, Bath Street, Bath Parade, Bristol Bridge, High Street, Broad Street, Wine Street, Corn Street, and Clare Street. A few shops were lit up in May 1817, and in July Bristol's first public gas street lamps were lit in High Street.

This was the start of a new era of public lighting that would make the city's streets safer and more accessible than ever before.