Mumbles Lighthouse
Location | Mumbles, near Swansea, Wales |
---|---|
Coordinates | 51°34′01″N 3°58′20″W / 51.56708°N 3.97226°WCoordinates: 51°34′01″N 3°58′20″W / 51.56708°N 3.97226°W |
Year first lit | 1794 |
Automated | 1934 |
Markings / pattern | white |
Height | 17 m (56 ft) |
Focal height | 20 m (66 ft) |
Current lens | biformed pair of Tideland Ml300 Beacons |
Intensity | 17,100 cd |
Range | 26.5 km (14.3 nmi; 16.5 mi) |
Characteristic | White Gp. Fl.(4) Every 20 Seconds |
Mumbles Lighthouse, completed in 1794, is a lighthouse located in Mumbles, near Swansea.[1] The structure, which sits on the outer of two islands off Mumbles Head, is clearly visible from any point along the five mile sweep of Swansea Bay. Along with the nearby lifeboat station, it is the most photographed landmark in the village.
The tower has two tiers and initially two open coal fire lights were displayed.[1] These open coal fire lights were difficult to maintain and were soon replaced by a single oil powered light within a cast iron lantern.[1]
In 1860, the oil powered light was upgraded to a dioptric light and the fort that surrounds the tower was built by the War Department.[2] In 1905, an occulting mechanism, where the light was made to flash, was fitted. This was partially automated in 1934.[2] By 1977, the cast iron lantern had deteriorated beyond repair and was removed. A different lantern was added in 1987.[2] In 1995, the main light was replaced and an array of solar panels and emergency monitoring equipment were added.[1]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Mumbles". Trinity House. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
- 1 2 3 Matthew Jenkins. "The Mumbles Lighthouse". Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Project. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
External links
- grid reference SS634872
- Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Project - The Mumbles Lighthouse
- Mumbles Lighthouse Island World War II Defences and Battery 299 photos & plans