Eddystone Lighthouse

**Historical Evolution of Eddystone Lighthouse:**
– Need for a light due to dangerous Eddystone Rocks
– Winstanley’s wooden lighthouse (1698) destroyed in 1703
– Rudyards’ conical tower (1709) lasted nearly 50 years before a fire
– Smeaton’s stone lighthouse (1759) marked a significant design advancement
– Douglass’ lighthouse (late 19th century) based on Smeaton’s techniques

**Design and Construction Details:**
– Smeaton recommended stone construction for durability
– Use of local Cornish granite and Portland stone
– Influence of an oak tree’s shape on stability and design
– Later modifications included optic upgrades and fog signal improvements
– Douglass’ lighthouse specifics: granite volume, optic type, light range, and signaling methods

**Modern Features and Present Status:**
– Douglass’ lighthouse is 49m high with a flashing light visible up to 22 nautical miles
– Foghorn blasts at regular intervals for signaling
– Red sector light highlights hazards
– Smeaton’s Tower rebuilt as a tourist attraction and civil engineering monument
– Original base of Smeaton’s Tower remains on Eddystone Rocks

**Cultural References and Media Portrayal:**
– Lighthouse used as a metaphor for stability in literary works
– Inspiration for music, film, and pop group names
– Featured in sea shanties
– Celebrated for its engineering significance
– Various historical and architectural references

**Additional Resources and Further Reading:**
– Various historical accounts and publications related to Eddystone Lighthouse
– External links for more information and media
– Books on lighthouse systems, historical narratives, and specific lighthouse construction details
– References to related lighthouses and monuments like Hook Lighthouse and Hoad Monumenthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddystone_Lighthouse