Bell Rock Lighthouse Interior

The bell rock lighthouse off the coast of angus scotland is the world s oldest surviving sea washed lighthouse.

Bell rock lighthouse interior. Before 1811 this dangerous reef about 11 miles out from arbroath was responsible for thousands of lost lives. The oldest existing rock lighthouse in the british isles that is still an active lighthouse is the tower on the bell or inchcape rock. Engraving of the bell rock works.

Even in the old days this rock had proved to be a danger to navigation. Though the internal fittings have all been replaced a few minor external additions have been made and the lantern and gallery have been renewed since the lighthouse was first built stevenson s. The lamps and reflectors were replaced in.

Bell rock was the first lighthouse to have a tv but i didn t watch it much. Standing 35 metres tall its light is visible from 35 statute miles inland. It was built between 1807 and 1810 by robert stevenson on the bell rock in the north sea 11 miles east of the firth of tay.

The bell rock was the first lighthouse constructed on a half tide rock and the story of its construction is an epic one recounted by robert stevenson. The first layer of stones were specifically cut to follow the shape of the uneven rock of the dug out foundation. The diameter at the base is 42 ft diminishing to 15 ft at the top.

Above the solid which is 30 ft in ehight is the entrance doorway the interior being divided into six stories. Hundreds and hundreds of huge granite stones were slowly laid on top of each other. Even in the old days this rock had proved to be a danger to navigation.

The masonry work on which the lighthouse rests was constructed to such a high standard that it has not been replaced or adapted in 200 years. The beacon house constructed on wooden stilts is on the left. This is a long and treacherous reef lying in the north sea some 12 miles east of dundee and in the fairway of vessels sailing to and from the firths of tay and forth.