Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.10382
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Smeaton’s Lighthouse under construction on the Eddystone Rocks
Date
1786
Creator
James Record (British) , Engraver
Object type
Library reference
R63812
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 500mm
width (print): 325mm
width (print): 325mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Depiction 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 14 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: ‘A View of the ROCK on the EAST SIDE, and of the WORK advanced to course XV, being the first of the ENTRY COURSES, Shewing the manner of LANDING and HOISTING the STONES etc in every stage of the BUILDING.’
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 14 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: ‘A View of the ROCK on the EAST SIDE, and of the WORK advanced to course XV, being the first of the ENTRY COURSES, Shewing the manner of LANDING and HOISTING the STONES etc in every stage of the BUILDING.’
Includes scale: 1 inch = 6 feet
Object history
The lighthouse 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