Light over Lundy: A History of the Old Light and the Fog Signal Station

Set atop the rocky plateau of Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, the Old Light stands proudly – a monument to the skill of its builder, Joseph Nelson. It is of a pleasing construction, both solid and graceful, and when built in 1820 it had two lights – an upper and a lower, and was the highest lighthouse in the country.In this fascinating history of the old lighthouse and the fog signal station, the author has combined her wide knowledge of the island’s history with information gleaned from extensive research into Trinity House’s archives. Some tantalising insights into the life of the keepers and their families have emerged – the keeper who was too tall for the lantern room; the keeper’s wife who tragically died of water contamination, and the gunners who poached their dinners and hid their numerous children when the Elder Brethren came to inspect the cottages! Interwoven throughout the story are details of the numerous wrecks from the 15th century until 1897. Accounts from newspapers are often included, and the wrecks are linked to the lighthouse keepers of the time and the heroic rescues performed by the lighthouse staff.There are also some wonderful snippets of island history – one owner regarded Lundy as independent of mainland authorities and issued his own ‘puffin’ coins and stamps – the latter are still in use to cover postage to the mainland although the coins are now collectors’ items.The height of the Old Light soon proved to be its downfall and eventually the reason why it was extinguished. Due to Lundy’s plateau-top fogs which completely obscured the lantern, although there was clear visibility at ground level, a programme of alterations and intensifications took place under the advice of Professor Faraday. In 1862 a fog signal station was built on the west coast, providing shipping with another warning. This was not wholly successful either and it was not until 1897 that the Old Light was replaced by new lights on lower levels at the north and south ends of the island.Since the light was extinguished, the Old Light and the fog signal station reverted to the owners. The Landmark Trust restored the lighthouse and holiday-makers can now stay in the keepers’ quarters, climb the 147 steps to the lantern room, and enjoy the breathtaking views across the whole island to the coasts of Wales and Cornwall.Owned by the National Trust, Lundy Island is an outstanding area of great natural beauty which attracts many visitors, who frequently return year after year to enjoy this special place.

Reviews of Light over Lundy: A History of the Old Light and the Fog Signal Station

'…the bulk of the book concentrates on the intricacies of the lighthouse and fog signal station itself, with Myrtle having worked her way through Trinity House's archives to present a thorough history, illustrated with photographs and diagrams. The book is an ideal reference tool for the history of this beautiful part of the world'. Gloucestershire Echo Weekend Magazine ——————– '…In this fascinating history of the old lighthouse and the fog signal station the author has combined her wide knowledge of the island's history with information gleaned from extensive research.' Best of British ——————– …This is a history of an important lighthouse on a unique island. Well researched it tells of shipwrecks, eccentric island owners, crashed aircraft, independently minded keepers, heroic rescues, Lundy coins and stamps… a rich tapestry of events down through time from the early 1600s to more modern times. … A well written book, illustrated with B&W photos, many of them unique… Recommended'. Sea Breezes ——————– '…The diverse inhabitants of this lonely, windswept rock… make fascinating reading, especially when we reach the age of photography, allowing us to see the keepers and their families who kept the light going and took part in the rescue of so many seafarers… an interesting book for coastal historians and those interested in Lundy.' The Nautical Magazine ——————– '… an ideal 'coffee table' book to dip into… I found the whole book thoroughly fascinating from beginning to end. I was totally engrossed from the very first paragraph of the introduction. …The book is crammed with an amazing amount of detail and information …Dr Ternstrom has very successfully combined a wealth of factual information with tantalising insights into the life of the keepers and their families, the latter also giving a glimpse of what life in general must have been like at the time for families living and working at lighthouses and fog stations.' World Lighthouse Newsletter ——————– '… Light Over Lundy is truly outstanding. The reader is never left wanting more. Yet it is an easy, entertaining read, with as much emphasis put on the sociological story of the lighthouse and island life as its technical development. The excellent illustrations are fully augmented with lists of wrecks and a full inventory of the keepers, etc. in a set of comprehensive appendices. … Ms. Ternstrom has probably written the definitive story of Lundy and its lighthouses. It's a true tour de force that would be difficult to better.' LAMP ——————– '… It deserves to be read by all interested in the history of mariners and of those on whom their lives depended. … a well-illustrated and engaging text.' Transactions of the Devonshire Association