Invented by Humphrey Davy in the early 19th century, arc lamps were developed in France until 1878 when R E B Crompton started to manufacture an improved version at his Arc Works in Chelmsford.

Invented by Humphrey Davy in the early 19th century, arc lamps were developed in France until 1878 when R E B Crompton started to manufacture an improved version at his Arc Works in Chelmsford.