The Destruction of the Second Eddystone Lighthouse

Name: The Destruction of the Second Eddystone Lighthouse
Start: 1699-12-02
Location: Unspecified

The Tragic Fate of the Second Eddystone Lighthouse

History of the Eddystone Lighthouse

The Eddystone Lighthouse is a remarkable structure located on Eddystone Rocks, off the southern coast of England. The second lighthouse was built in 1699 by the famed architect Sir John Smeaton and represented a significant advancement in lighthouse technology of the time.

Construction and Importance

Constructed to aid maritime navigation, especially for ships around the treacherous Eddystone Rocks, the lighthouse was made from solid granite and stood as a beacon of safety for sailors traversing the busy waters of the English Channel.

The Fire of 1755

What Happened on the Fateful Day

On the night of July 2, 1755, a devastating fire engulfed the second Eddystone Lighthouse. The source of the blaze is believed to have been linked to the oil lamps that lit the structure, which were crucial for visibility during dark nights.

Impact on Navigation

The destruction of the lighthouse had dire consequences for local shipping traffic as it left a vital gap in navigation aids. Ships sailing past Eddystone Rocks faced an increased risk of accidents without the guiding light the lighthouse had provided.

Legacy of the Eddystone Lighthouse

Rebuilding Efforts

Following the fire, efforts to replace the lost lighthouse commenced almost immediately. Within a year, a new lighthouse, designed by James Douglass, was completed, which would serve as the third Eddystone Lighthouse and a landmark for safe passage.

Continued Innovations

The Eddystone Lighthouse's destruction highlighted the vulnerabilities of such structures. However, it also propelled advancements in lighthouse construction, which led to innovations that would enhance safety for generations of mariners.

Fun Fact

A Resilient Structure

Despite the loss of the second lighthouse, the Eddystone site is notable for having a series of lighthouses that have adapted and evolved, showcasing the resilience of maritime navigation.