Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.10379
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Smeaton’s Lighthouse on the Eddystone Rocks
Date
1763
Creator
Object type
Library reference
R63812
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 490mm
width (print): 350mm
width (print): 350mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Depiction of the south elevation of the third lighthouse built upon the Eddystone Rocks, near Plymouth.
The third lighthouse was built following the destruction of earlier versions designed by Henry Winstanley (1644-1703), and John Rudyard (or Rudyerd; 1650- ca.1718). The Royal Society recommended the civil engineer John Smeaton (1724-1792) for the job; his lighthouse was completed in 1759.
Plate 8 of A narrative of the building and a description of the construction of the Edystone lighthouse with stone, by John Smeaton (London, 1791). The Royal Society’s copy was donated by the author on 20 January 1791.
The plate is inscribed: ‘South ELEVATION of the STONE LIGHTHOUSE completed upon the EDYSTONE in 1759. Shewing the Prospect of the nearest Land, as it appears from the Rocks in a clear calm Day.’
Includes scale: 1 inch = 6 feet
The third lighthouse was built following the destruction of earlier versions designed by Henry Winstanley (1644-1703), and John Rudyard (or Rudyerd; 1650- ca.1718). The Royal Society recommended the civil engineer John Smeaton (1724-1792) for the job; his lighthouse was completed in 1759.
Plate 8 of A narrative of the building and a description of the construction of the Edystone lighthouse with stone, by John Smeaton (London, 1791). The Royal Society’s copy was donated by the author on 20 January 1791.
The plate is inscribed: ‘South ELEVATION of the STONE LIGHTHOUSE completed upon the EDYSTONE in 1759. Shewing the Prospect of the nearest Land, as it appears from the Rocks in a clear calm Day.’
Includes scale: 1 inch = 6 feet
Object history
Smeaton’s lighthouse was modelled on the shape of an oak tree, and employed several novel engineering techniques. It remained in use until 1877, and was then re-erected on Plymouth Hoe, where it still stands as a tourist attraction. It can be seen in the background in the Royal Society’s two portraits of John Smeaton.
Associated place