Bell Rock Lighthouse (Paperback)

Michael A.W. Strachan

ISBN 10: 1445670607 / ISBN 13: 9781445670607

Published by Amberley Publishing, Chalford, 2018

About this Item

Paperback. The Bell Rock Lighthouse has stood as an industrial `wonder of the world' since its completion in 1811. The iconic tower on the Inchcape Rock, twelve miles from Arbroath, is the oldest sea-washed tower in the world having been lashed by the seas for over 200 years. Her earlier cousins were all taken by the waves or replaced. The construction of the Bell Rock not only proved the Northern Lighthouse Board had reached maturity, but it made the name of the Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers: a dynasty that dominated Scottish lighthouses for 150 years. Robert Stevenson was the first man on the reef and the last man off, a personal commitment which has seen the Bell Rock's actual Chief Engineer - John Rennie - almost deleted from the station's history. Not only was it a remarkable feat of engineering, but one which played host to a remarkable way of life. The light-keepers undertook their nightly vigils at the station for 177 years, their often mundane and monotonous duties occasionally being punctuated by technological improvement and world events. The keepers are now all gone, but the Bell Rock continues to show its familiar flash, guiding the mariner to safety. A lavishly illustrated history of the iconic Bell Rock lighthouse which has stood as an industrial wonder of the world since its completion in 1811. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781445670607

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Bell Rock Lighthouse (Paperback)
• Publisher: Amberley Publishing, Chalford
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1445670607
• ISBN 13: 9781445670607
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Discover the captivating story of Scotland's iconic Bell Rock Lighthouse! This illustrated history delves into the construction, engineering, and human drama behind the world's oldest sea-washed tower. Explore the challenges faced by Robert Stevenson and his team as they built this marvel on the treacherous Inchcape Rock.

Uncover the lives of the dedicated lighthouse keepers who maintained the light for 177 years, battling storms and isolation. Learn about the technological advancements that kept the light shining, from whale oil lamps to modern electric systems. Perfect for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by human ingenuity.

About the Author

Michael A. W. Strachan graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2010 with an MLitt in Modern Historical Studies. Since 2012 he has been involved with the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, currently serving as Collections Manager and tasked with caring for a nationally recognized collection of artifacts.