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 stands tall on a small island near the northwest coast of Holy Island, Anglesey, Wales. It was built in 1809 to help ships avoid dangerous rocks hidden in the sea. This lighthouse has been a guiding light for over 200 years, keeping sailors safe on their journeys.
Contents
History of South Stack Lighthouse
This important lighthouse has been warning ships about dangerous rocks since it was finished in 1809. The South Stack Lighthouse is about 28 meters (91 feet) tall. It was designed by a person named Daniel Alexander. Its powerful light can be seen by ships up to 24 nautical miles away.
Why the Lighthouse Was Built
The lighthouse was built to make sea travel safer. It helped ships on the busy route between Dublin, Holyhead, and Liverpool. This area of the sea was known for its tricky rocks. The South Stack Lighthouse is the first guiding light for ships sailing east along the northern coast of Anglesey.
Other Lighthouses in the Area
After South Stack, ships would see other important markers. These include lighthouses and fog horns at North Stack, Holyhead Breakwater, The Skerries, the Mice, Point Lynas, and Trwyn Du. All these lights work together to guide ships safely around the island.
How the Lighthouse Works Today
Today, the South Stack Lighthouse is controlled from far away by an organization called Trinity House. This means no one lives at the lighthouse anymore. It became automated in 1983.
Visiting the Lighthouse
If you visit, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower. You can also explore the old engine room and a special exhibition area. The lighthouse is open to visitors during certain times of the year.
See also
- List of lighthouses in Wales
External links
- Trinity House
