'Ancient Lights'

It is always important to look up, as well as down, when walking along London's streets, in case you miss something. This is how I discovered these signs, beneath various windows across older parts of the city.

Because I had never seen them before I now keep a look out for them, and other old signs.

But what does the term 'Ancient Lights' mean?

To discover the answer we must travel back to the 12th century, and the beginnings of English Common Law.

King Henry II introduced travelling judges who went around the country settling disputes. These judges used local juries, of 12 local knights, to resolve disputes usually related to land ownership. If a dispute had been settled, in another area, then the doctrine of precedent would be used. Hence, Common Law.

'Ancient Lights' is a right that protects a property owner's ability to receive natural light through their windows, which can be acquired once a property owner has enjoyed uninterrupted light through their windows for 20 years or more.*

Once this right has been acquired, the owner of the adjacent land cannot erect a building, plant trees or take any other action that would obstruct the flow of light to the protected windows. If the adjacent landowner does obstruct the protected light they may be sued, which could lead to an injunction and/or compensation.** 

In England, the rights to 'Ancient Lights' are most usually acquired under the Prescription Act 1832.

In America, the concept of 'Ancient Lights' died out in the 19th century and is no longer recognised.

In Japan, there is a comparable law called 'nisshōken', literally 'right to sunshine'.

*This is a brief explanation and should not be used as a basis for any legal dispute. 

**This is just an example and should not be used to form a basis for a legal dispute.

I post these here purely to educate on the history of 'Ancient Lights'.