Mumbles Lighthouse, completed in 1794, is a lighthouse located in Mumbles, near Swansea.[3] 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 Lighthouse at Mumbles Head | |
 | |
| Location | Mumbles Head Swansea Wales |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°34′01″N 3°58′16″W / 51.566853°N 3.971235°W |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1794 |
| Construction | brick tower |
| Automated | 1934 |
| Height | 17 metres (56 ft) |
| Shape | two-stage octagonal tower with double balcony and lantern |
| Markings | white tower and lantern |
| Power source | solar power  |
| Operator | Trinity House[1][2] |
| Heritage | Grade II* listed building, National Monuments of Wales |
| Light | |
| Focal height | 35 metres (115 ft) |
| Lens | biformed pair of Tideland Ml300 beacons |
| Intensity | 13,700 candela |
| Range | 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 20s. |
The tower has two tiers and initially two open coal fire lights were displayed.[3] These open coal fire lights were difficult to maintain and were soon replaced by a single oil-powered light within a cast-iron lantern.[3]
In 1860, the oil-powered light was upgraded to a dioptric light and the Mumbles Battery, a fort that surrounds the tower, was built by the War Department.[4]
In 1905, an occulting mechanism, where the light was made to flash, was fitted. This was partially automated in 1934.[4]
By 1977, the cast-iron lantern had deteriorated beyond repair and was removed. A different lantern was added in 1987.[4]
In 1995, the main light was replaced and an array of solar panels and emergency monitoring equipment were added.[3]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Wales". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ Mumbles Lighthouse Trinity House. Retrieved 1 June 2016
- ^ a b c d "Mumbles". Trinity House. Archived from the original on 14 April 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
- ^ a b c Matthew Jenkins. "The Mumbles Lighthouse". Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Project. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
External links
edit
- grid reference SS634872
- Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Project - The Mumbles Lighthouse
- “The Guns of Mumbles Lighthouse Island” by A History of Mumbles
- “Charlie Cottle - The Last Mumbles Lighthouse Keeper” by Carol Powell
- “The Women of Mumbles Head” by Carol Powell. This records the heroism during a storm, of the Ace Sisters, Jessie Ace & Margaret Wright
- Trinity House