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A historic account from the 1830s., describing the erection of the famous Smeaton Tower in Plymouth.
The present light-house was erected by Mr. Smeaton. The first stone (made from granite blocks) was laid of June, 1757. “Mr Smeaton conceived the idea of his edifice from the waist or bole of a large spreading oak. To expedite the erection of the building the stones were hewn and fitted together on shore, and after every precaution to ensure security had been taken the work was completed in October 1759.
The lantern of the light-house is an octagon, the frame work being composed of cast iron and copper. On the night of the 16th October 1759, when the light was first exhibited, a furious storm happened, and the keepers felt a very sensible motion in the building, but, from their convictions of the strength, they were not alarmed.
The Light-house was at first attended by two men only, but the number was increased to three in consequences of one of the keepers having been placed in distressing situation by the death of his companion. On that occasion a long continuance of bad weather prevented the Eddystone vessel to visit the rock, and the surviving man was obliged to remain with the corpse of his deceased partner for a month.
Smeatons light-house remained with us until 1877 when erosion to the rocks below the light-house caused it to shake from side to side when it was hit by large waves.
It was then dismantled and rebuilt on the Plymouth Hoe as a memorial.
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