Longships Lighthouse, Cornwall - Framed Picture - 11" x 14"

Longships Lighthouse is an active 19th century lighthouse about 2 km off the coast of Land’s End in Cornwall, England.

It is the second lighthouse to be built on Carn Bras, the highest of the Longships islets which rises 39 feet above high water level.

The original tower was built in 1795 to the design of Trinity House architect Samuel Wyatt. The lantern was 79 feet above sea level but very high seas obscured its light.

In 1869 Trinity House began constructing a replacement. The building of the present granite tower used much of the equipment that had previously been used in the construction of the Wolf Rock Lighthouse. The tower was first lit in December 1873 having cost £43,870 to build. Even after these improvements, the S.S. Bluejacket was wrecked on rocks near the lighthouse on a clear night in 1898, nearly demolishing the lighthouse in the process.

Often due to bad weather there is a delay in relieving the men and supplying stores. In January 1901 there was some concern that the men had run short of provisions due to the severe weather. It was found that there was plenty of stores and the only hardship was their lack of tobacco. They had taken to smoking coffee, hops and tea leaves instead.