Farne Island Lighthouse: Difference between revisions

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In 1673, Sir John Clayton erected a tower on the Farne Islands as part of his comprehensive scheme for lights on the east coast. However the Newcastle merchants refused to pay him any dues for its upkeep and the fire was never kindled. Proposals were again made in 1727 by coastal traders in the area, but little was done for another 50 years.
In 1673, Sir John Clayton erected a tower on the Farne Islands as part of his comprehensive scheme for lights on the east coast. However the Newcastle merchants refused to pay him any dues for its upkeep and the fire was never kindled. Proposals were again made in 1727 by coastal traders in the area, but little was done for another 50 years.


In 1776 an agreement was made between Trinity House and Mr J Blackett for the latter to build two lighthouses at his own expense. On 1 December 1778 two lighthouses exhibited lights, one on Farne Island and the other on the southern end of [[Staple Island]]. The Staples Island light was blown down in 1784 and rebuilt, possibly on [[Brownsman’s Island]], the rebuilt tower was knocked down by heavy seas in 1800 and at that time was definitely rebuilt on Brownsman’s Island.
In 1776 an agreement was made between Trinity House and Mr J Blackett for the latter to build two lighthouses at his own expense. On 1 December 1778 two lighthouses exhibited lights, one on Farne Island and the other on the southern end of [[Staple Island]]. The Staples Island light was blown down in 1784 and rebuilt, possibly on [[Brownsman|Brownsman Island]], the rebuilt tower was knocked down by heavy seas in 1800 and at that time was definitely rebuilt on Brownsman’s Island.


In 1809 the two towers, both coal lights, were decaying and arrangements were made for Trinity House to take then over and install new lights.
In 1809 the two towers, both coal lights, were decaying and arrangements were made for Trinity House to take then over and install new lights.

Latest revision as of 17:03, 5 October 2018

Farne Lighthouse

Northumberland

Inner Farne

Farne Island Lighthouse
Location
Grid reference: NU217357
Location: 55°36’55"N, 1°39’21"W
Characteristics
Height: 43 feet
Tower shape: cylindrical tower with
balcony and lantern
Tower marking: white tower
Light: Fl (2) WR15s
Intensity: white: 1,650 candela
red: 208 candela
Focal height: 89 feet
Range: white: 10 nautical miles
red: 7 nautical miles
Admiralty No.: A2812
History
Built 1811
First lit: 1811
Information
Owned by: Trinity House
Website: Farne Island Lighthouse

Farne Island Lighthouse stands on Inner Farne, amongst the Farne Islands, overlooking the busy Inner Sound. The current lighthouse was built in 1811 to the design of Daniel Alexander. It is maintained by Trinity House.

The lighthouse is a cylindrical white tower with lighthouse keepers' cottages to the rear. It was converted to solar powered operation in 1996.[1]

The tower is 43 feet tall with a range for the white light of 10 nautical miles and for the red 7 nautical miles.

History

In 1673, Sir John Clayton erected a tower on the Farne Islands as part of his comprehensive scheme for lights on the east coast. However the Newcastle merchants refused to pay him any dues for its upkeep and the fire was never kindled. Proposals were again made in 1727 by coastal traders in the area, but little was done for another 50 years.

In 1776 an agreement was made between Trinity House and Mr J Blackett for the latter to build two lighthouses at his own expense. On 1 December 1778 two lighthouses exhibited lights, one on Farne Island and the other on the southern end of Staple Island. The Staples Island light was blown down in 1784 and rebuilt, possibly on Brownsman Island, the rebuilt tower was knocked down by heavy seas in 1800 and at that time was definitely rebuilt on Brownsman’s Island.

In 1809 the two towers, both coal lights, were decaying and arrangements were made for Trinity House to take then over and install new lights.

Trinity House commissioned Daniel Alexander to design a new lighthouse to stand on Inner Farne, and this, the current lighthouse, was completed in 1811.

The lighthouse is now automatic and has no resident keepers, although in former years it did. The lighthouse is now maintained by Trinity House by their local lighthouse attendant, who also provides guided tours inside the lighthouse.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about Farne Island Lighthouse)

References

Lighthouses of Trinity House

Great Britain:
Anvil PointBamburghBardseyBeachy HeadBerry HeadBishop RockBull PointCaldey IslandCoquetCromerCrow PointDungenessEddystoneFarneFlamboroughFlatholmGodrevyHartland PointHilbre IslandHolyheadHurst PointGuile Point EastHeugh HillLizardLongshipsLongstoneLowestoftLundy NorthLundy SouthLynmouth ForelandMonkstoneMumblesNab TowerNash PointNeedlesNorth ForelandPendeenPeninnisPoint LynasPortland BillRound IslandRoyal SovereignSkerriesSkokholmSmallsSouth BishopSouth StackSouthwoldSt Anthony'sSt BeesSt Tudwal'sSt Anns HeadSt CatherinesStart PointStrumble HeadTater DuTrevose HeadTrwyn DuWhitbyWolf Rock

Channel Islands and Gibraltar:

CasquetsEuropa PointLes HanoisSark