Longstone Lighthouse
Encyclopedia
Longstone Lighthouse was built and designed by Joseph Nelson in 1826, and was originally called the Outer Farne lighthouse.
The site had a long history of need for a light. In the late 17th Century Sir John Clayton, and later, in 1755, Captain J. Blackett, requested a light for the island. Both were turned down because the authorities, the Elder Brethren of Trinity House
, were unable to persuade affected parties to contribute to the maintenance of the light.
In the mid 1820s the welfare of shipping won over and it was agreed that a lighthouse be constructed. The lighthouse originally used Argand lamp
s, but in 1952 was finally electrified, and in 1990 became fully automated.
The lighthouse is known for the 1838 wreck of the Forfarshire
and the role of Grace Darling
, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, in rescuing survivors.
Tours of the lighthouse, which is accessible by boat, are operated by Golden Gate Boats under license from Trinity House
.
The site had a long history of need for a light. In the late 17th Century Sir John Clayton, and later, in 1755, Captain J. Blackett, requested a light for the island. Both were turned down because the authorities, the Elder Brethren of Trinity House
Trinity House
The Corporation of Trinity House of Deptford Strond is the official General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and other British territorial waters...
, were unable to persuade affected parties to contribute to the maintenance of the light.
In the mid 1820s the welfare of shipping won over and it was agreed that a lighthouse be constructed. The lighthouse originally used Argand lamp
Argand lamp
The Argand lamp is home lighting oil lamp producing a light output of 6 to 10 candlepower which was invented and patented in 1780 by Aimé Argand...
s, but in 1952 was finally electrified, and in 1990 became fully automated.
The lighthouse is known for the 1838 wreck of the Forfarshire
Forfarshire (ship)
The Forfarshire was a paddlesteamer with brigantine rigging, built in Dundee in 1834, and which struck and later foundered on one of the Farne Islands on the 7 September 1838, giving rise to the rescue for which Grace Darling is famed....
and the role of Grace Darling
Grace Darling
Grace Horsley Darling was an English Victorian heroine who in 1838, along with her father, saved 13 people from the wreck of the SS Forfarshire.-Biography:...
, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, in rescuing survivors.
Tours of the lighthouse, which is accessible by boat, are operated by Golden Gate Boats under license from Trinity House
Trinity House
The Corporation of Trinity House of Deptford Strond is the official General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and other British territorial waters...
.