South Stack Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Holy Island, Anglesey, Wales |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°18′24″N 4°41′58″W / 53.30667°N 4.69944°W |
| Year first constructed | 1809 |
| Automated | 1983 |
| Construction | stone tower |
| Tower shape | tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern |
| Height | 28 m (92 ft) |
| Focal height | 60 m (200 ft) |
| Original lens | 1st order six panel catadioptric rotating |
| Intensity | 467,000 candela |
| Range | 24 nmi (44 km; 28 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
| Fog signal | one 3s. blast every 30s. (range of 2 nmi (3.7 km; 2.3 mi)) |
The South Stack Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse built on a small island near Holy Island, Wales. It was built a long time ago, in 1809, to help ships avoid dangerous rocks in the sea. It's like a helpful giant shining a light to guide sailors safely past the coast.
Contents
A Guiding Light: South Stack Lighthouse History
This amazing lighthouse has been helping ships for over 200 years! It was finished in 1809. The lighthouse itself is about 28 m (92 ft) (91 feet) tall. It was designed by a person named Daniel Alexander.
Why Was It Built?
The main light from South Stack Lighthouse can be seen by ships up to 24 nmi (44 km; 28 mi) away. It was built to make sure ships traveling between Dublin, Holyhead, and Liverpool could pass safely. This area of the sea can be very tricky with many hidden rocks.
How It Helps Ships
The South Stack Lighthouse is the first bright light that ships see when they are sailing east along the northern coast of Anglesey. After South Stack, there are other lighthouses and fog horns that also help guide ships. These include lights at North Stack, Holyhead Breakwater, The Skerries, the Mice, Point Lynas, and Trwyn Du.
Who Manages the Lighthouse?
Today, the lighthouse is managed by an organization called Trinity House. They look after many lighthouses around England, Wales, and the Channel Islands. They make sure the lights are always working and guiding ships safely. The South Stack Lighthouse is now controlled remotely, meaning no one lives there all the time.
Visiting the Lighthouse
If you visit, you can climb to the very top of the lighthouse! You can also explore the old engine room and a special exhibition area. The lighthouse is open for visitors during certain times of the year, so check before you go. It's a great way to learn about how lighthouses work and what life was like for lighthouse keepers.
See also
- List of lighthouses in Wales
