Guiding Lights: The Design & Development of the British Lightvessel from 1732
From time immemorial the coasts of Britain have caused many ashipwreck, but it was to be the 16th century before attempts began to be madeto arrest the needless loss of both ships and men by the construction of thefirst lighthouses.
It was soon realised that these new seamarks were not enough, for ships were still lost on sandbanks, often far offshore where lighthouses could not be built.
As a result, lightships were introduced to warn of many such hazards around the coast. The first primitive wooden craft, using tallow candles for light, gave way to whale oil lanterns and a mechanised means of rotating the light was installed during the Victorian era. During the last century oil gave way to electricity which made brighter lamps possible while the bell and gong were replaced by fog horns of tremendous power. All these improvements gradually made working conditions more comfortable for crews until automation removed the need for lightsmen on board in the 1980s.
The primary aim of Guiding Lights is to demonstrate the design and layout of both wooden and steel lightships as they were in service and to recall the working lives of the men who manned them. Details of breadmaking, fishing, boardings by dancing girls and other pastimes to help ease the month on duty serve the latter purpose well. This richly illustrated book pays homage to an era now past but concludes with a list and short biography of all known surviving British lightvessels in order that the reader may investigate further if he or she so wishes.
Guiding Lights: The Design & Development of the British Lightvessel from 1732
By Anthony Lane.
Published by Tempus.
ISBN 0 7524 2115 8
Paperback 208 pages.
Price £17.99
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