Signal Tower Museum facts for kids
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| Established | Built 1813 Council Housing 1955-1974 Museum 1974-present |
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| Location | Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, Ladyloan, Arbroath, DD11 1PU |
The Signal Tower is a fascinating museum located in the coastal town of Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. It has a rich history, starting as a vital part of a famous lighthouse and later becoming a place where you can learn all about Arbroath's past.
Contents
A Lighthouse Connection
The Signal Tower was built way back in 1813. Its main job was to support the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse. This lighthouse stands on a dangerous rock far out at sea. The Signal Tower was the home for the families of the lighthouse keepers. These brave people lived on the 'rock' for long periods.
Shore Support for the Lighthouse
The tower also housed the important shore staff. These workers managed the lighthouse tender. This was a special boat that supplied the lighthouse. The name "Signal Tower" comes from the signalling equipment. This equipment was on top of the tower building. It was used to talk between the shore staff and the lighthouse keepers.
How They Communicated
An identical signalling system was on the lighthouse itself. Inside the Signal Tower, there was a small observatory. It had a powerful telescope. This telescope was used to watch the signals from the lighthouse during the day. Before wireless communication, this ball system was very advanced. If the light at the lighthouse changed at night, the supply boat would sail out to check.
The Ball System Explained
The signalling system used a ball on a tall pole. The Master of the Tender or staff watched between 9 AM and 10 AM. If everything was fine, the lighthouse keepers would raise the ball to the top. If it was foggy, they would check at 1 PM instead. If the ball stayed down, it meant a big problem. This could be a lack of food or a sick keeper. In such cases, the supply boat would leave for the lighthouse quickly.
Changes Over Time
By 1955, helicopters and faster boats were available. Because of this, the lighthouse staff were managed from Leith. This is where the Northern Lighthouse Board is based. Fishing boats from Arbroath often helped too. They would take newspapers, fresh rolls, and other items to the keepers. They also carried messages back to shore.
From Homes to History
After the Northern Lighthouse Board moved, the building was given to the Arbroath Town Council. For about 15 years, it was used as council housing. Families lived in the tower during this time. Then, in the 1970s, it was changed into the museum we see today.
The Signal Tower Museum Today
After its time as homes, the building became a museum. It focuses on the history of Arbroath and the surrounding area. Arbroath, like Dundee, was once a major center for processing jute. Many famous companies were based here. These included Shanks Lawnmowers, Giddings + Lewis-Fraser, and Keith & Blackman.
What You Can See
The museum has many items and documents about Shanks Lawnmowers. You can see different lawnmowers they made. There are also documents, photos, and company badges from Giddings + Lewis-Fraser and Keith & Blackman.
Lighthouse and Fishing Exhibits
Besides the manufacturing displays, the museum also has exhibits about the Bell Rock Lighthouse. You can see a model of the Inchcape Rock with the lighthouse on it. There is also one of the original light mechanisms from the lighthouse. The museum also has many exhibits about the fishing industry. You can see models of different fishing boats. There is also information about fishing and fish processing in Arbroath.
Exploring the Area
The museum also provides helpful information for people who enjoy walking. It has details about the many nature trails around Arbroath. This makes it a great place to start exploring the local area.
