In 1971, the sole remaining gas street lamp in Glasgow was lit for the last time.

This signalled the end of an era - the age of the "leeries", or lamplighters, which began in 1718 with oil lamps. The gas lamps were phased out in favour of electric street lighting.

This day in 1720 saw the official marriage ceremony of Prince James Francis Edward Stewart and the Polish Princess Maria Clementina Sobieska. The marriage took place at the Italian Cathedral of Monte Fiascone, and the union led to the birth of Charles Stewart in Rome in 1720. Maria Clementina Sobieska was one of Europe's richest heiresses and brought the Stuarts a cash injection.

The Polish Princess had been kidnapped on her way to the original wedding the preceding year to "The Old Pretender". She escaped, and had married James by proxy when he was away trying to raise support for the 1719 Rising. After the Rising was quashed, Jacobite hopes were raised in the form of the infant prince Charles.

Today's recipe: seasonal squash and salsa verde accompany roast lamb to make an impressive autumnal meal.