What are ancient lights

A.� Around London there are quite a few signs, often above pubs, which read: 'Ancient Lights'. What does this mean asks peter.griff. Modge gave a comprehensive answer, but let me elucidate. Ancient lights are windows that have allowed the householder light, uninterrupted, for 20 years or more.< xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

�

Q.� So...

A.� The sign is put up to ensure nothing else is built in front of them. This is not confined to London.

�

Q.� Why

A.� A new building would probably block out the light to the old one. If you build a house blocking out the light of the old one, you could be taken to court - and you'd probably lose your case.

�

Q. Let's hear the legal reason for this.

A.� OK, but read carefully. It gets complicated. Formerly, you couldn't claim you ancient light had been blocked unless you had gained a right to the window 'by prescription' - that is, a long-established custom. The law dates from the 13th Century.

�

Q.� That's now changed

A.� Yes, the Prescription Act (1832) updated it. The 20-year rule was brought in. It tends to refer to the owner of the property, too.

�

Q.� So, it's just to stop house-building

A. Oh no. It could be a wall or a tree that's blocking the light.

�

Q.� And this is blocking out all the light

A.� No. To quote a legal opinion: 'Total deprivation of light is not necessary to sustain this action, and if the party cannot enjoy the light in so free and ample a manner as he did before, he may sustain the action; but there should be some sensible diminution of the light and air. Building a wall that merely obstructs the right is not actionable.' The law also stands when a building with an ancient light - say, an office, - is converted for another use, such as a house.

�

Q.� And what about a loss of view

A.� That's not covered.

�

Q.� So if I build in front of an ancient light, what will happen

A.� You may be sued. First of all, though, an injunction could be slapped upon you to stop any work. When in doubt, see a solicitor.

�

To ask another question about People & Places, click here

�������������������������������������������������� ��By Steve Cunningham