Smalls Lighthouse

The original Smalls Lighthouse was erected over 1775 and 1776, on the plans of Liverpool musical instrument maker Henry Whiteside. It stood on nine oak pillars, allowing the sea to pass through beneath. Although it suffered from some rocking, it stood for 80 years.

The present lighthouse was built under the supervision of Trinity House’s consultant engineer James Walker to a design based on Smeaton’s Eddystone tower, taking five years to build. .
It is the most remote lighthouse operated by Trinity House. The first stone of the new tower was laid on 26 June 1857, Trinity House having bought out the previous leaseholders in 1836. The tower was completed in 1861. The lighthouse was electrified in 1972 using generators installed in the lighthouse engine room. This was a major exercise, and whilst the work was carried out a lightvessel was located nearby to show a temporary light.

In 1978 a helideck was erected above the lantern and in 1987 the lighthouse was automated. It is the first wind- and Solar-powered lighthouse in the U.K. Although it has only a 35-watt bulb, with the aid of lenses, this can be seen up to 21 miles (34 km) away. It was the first lighthouse in the country to have a flushing toilet installed.

In June 1997 the red and white stripes that had distinguished the tower were no longer considered necessary for navigation and the tower was grit blasted back to natural granite.

NB! A 1st order Fresnel lens is in use.