Eric - February 2010 :-
Hello. I've just come across your website which I found very interesting. I was particularly interested in the photographs on the London River Heritage page of the Customs Lookout Post and floating pontoon. I am aware of the floating pontoon which was at one time moored outside the Custom House further up river, however, I'm not aware of the lookout post. Is it possible to tell me where it is located please ? Thank you.

Tony - October 2009 :-
I am researching my ancestry and have got a question that you might be able to answer. I want to find out where my grandfather James Thomas Woodruff served after 1910 which is as far as I can find on the internet. Particularly was he at Lowestoft lighthouse at any time or who were the keepers at lowestoft in 1916. My father served on Lundy island until about 1946 then we all moved to the Lizard lighthouse (what a wonderful place for me only 12 years old). We also lived at Lynmouth Foreland, Start Point,and finally North Foreland

David - September 2009 :-
Thank you for the time you have spent providing everybody with an insight to the history of lighthouses and lightships. My grandfather served on the Brake also known as the Gull amongst others. Unfortunately he passed away in 1980-81 without realising the ship was moored at Greys.

Jonathon - August 2009 :-
Just writing to say how much I enjoyed reading your web page on the old Thames river lighthouses. Really fascinating. I'm glad that someone has taken the trouble to record this aspect of our river heritage.

Michael, from USA - July 2009 :-
I believe the object in the picture is a level. We have several here at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse in Ponce Inlet, Florida. We used them during our restoration and installation of two First Order Fresnel Lenses and a Third Order Lens. The levels would be placed at various locations around the platter that held the lens and on the lens frames themselves during installation. You knew the platter or frame was level when the bubble stayed in the center of the glass. It looks almost identical to the ones we have from what I can see in the picture. Take a look at a website if you like at www.ponceinlet.org. You have a very interesting site. I stumbled upon it while doing research on the history of minor navigational aids.

Andrew, from New Zealand - July 2009 :-
Good day, to you! I have come across your website while trying to find out something about the status of lightvessels especially in World War 2. I have not been able to discover anything about them -- surely they are not still on some "forbidden list"? Presumably, for humanitarian reasons, they would have continued to operate -- but what about if they were to pass on information about enemy shipping? Would they then have become legitimate targets? And what about lighthouses (British or German) -- were they targets for the enemy? It's another of the conundrums I have often wondered about -- such as how did British (and later American) diplomats travel to and from Switzerland that was completely surrounded by hostile powers? I don't expect you to answer that one -- it's just another example of the strange workings of my mind.

Steve - May 2009 :-
Congratulations on a very informative and entertaining website!! I've been researching my family tree and I believe that an ancestor of mine was the Contractor responsible for constructing Hartland Point Lighthouse. My ancestor - Levi Yerward, owned a saw mill in Pembroke Dock and I have found a reference linking him to Hartland Lighthouse in a magazine called the Antiquarian. I have also found Levi's gravestone in Pembroke Dock which also commemorates his wife Jane who died at Hartland and was buried at Stoke in 1872. I've visted Hartland to look at the lighthouse from a distance but would love to find out more about it. It's especially interesting to me because I am an Engineer working on maritime and coastal construction projects! Keep up the good work on the website, I'll be popping back to learn more shortly!!

Tom, from the USA - May 2009 :-
The object of Gerry's in the gossip section may be a magnetic tape viewer. Put it over a magnet and see if the magnet's outline appears on the glass portion. If that works it is used to view the magnetic bits on a computer tape or the strip on a credit card. These were made in the 1950s and 1960s.

Reg - March 2009 :-
Just to let you know that I think your web-site is very interesting.I have several serpentine lighthouses two of which have a working light and measure eight inches and nine and a half inches respectively,neither of them flash but I`m very pleased with them and only paid four pounds and five pounds each at car boots which was quite a bargain I think. I`m also interested in actual l/houses and have one or two books about them.The other topics on your site are also interesting so I hope you get sufficient interest for you to continue adding to your site.All the best for now

Christine - March 2009 :-
I came across your website: my great great grandfather ran the Needles lighthouse from 1790 - 1860, his kids were born there, I am trying to find the book the Children of the Lighthouse author Marion Andrews. Can you help please ? I think my great great grandfather also had something to do with the IOW lighthouse at a similar time and am trying to find any info on him and his family, all I know is his surname was Tubbs and I have a photo of him taken in 1890 sporting a full white beard, so think he may have been working some years before this was taken. Any info on the name Tubbs on the IOW would be appreciated

Suzanna - March 2009 :-
I go to Camberwell College of the Arts, part of The University of the Arts London. I am doing a site specific project on Trinity Buoy wharf. I am very interested in its lighthouse and want to do a project on the other remaining lighthouses in London. By complete luck, while searching for lighthouses in London I found your website. Its a great website! Very interesting.

Janet - February 2009 :-
I have attached two pictures one is a poster painted by Charles Pears in the early 1900's featuring 'The Canvey Lady'. I understand there were two of these on the Island, one in Thorney Camp and one on the I think north of the Island. Both have now gone. The second picture was taken of the Fort at Thorney bay during the war where you can see the 'Canvey Lady' to the right of the look-out tower. My question to you is do you know what this is or do you know who I can ask to find out. We are assuming it has something to do with navigation.

Nicola - February 2009 :-
I wonder if you can help. My great grandfather was lighthouse keeper at South Stack until 1881. We have a very old picture of him. On his cap he has a metal badge. It's shape bears a striking similarity to a badge you have a picture of on your odds and ends bit. You say it's a collection "Andre" has. I was wondering if you can tell me what the picture of the badge has on it as I can't zoom in. It is the metal badge at the top in between the Trinity House badges. Thanks for your help.

Frank - February 2009 :-
I have been reading the correspondence concerning the aerial lighthouse at Tatsfield and I have been endeavouring to uncover a little of the history of the network of aerial lighthouse in the U.K. I enclose a brief note of some of the information I have found which may be of interest. I have some further information including a small map of the air route and the light beacons as they were in 1936 and a description of the light patterns used by the aerial beacons.
You can see all of Frank's research here Aerial Lighthouses .

Adam - February 2009 :-

Just browsed through your interesting site, & noticed the pictures of the Gunfleet lighthouse situated of Frinton-on-sea, Essex!. I took some pictures of the structure and the interior of it as I and my brother-in-law sailed out to it on his "gin palace" one day a few years back & I foolishly climbed up it and took some cracking colour pictures! My brother-in-law was too fat & unfit to do this as I had to throw a rope up and climb up the structure (at low tide as well!)

You can see all Adam's photos here Lighthouse Tours .

Graham - December 2008 :-
I found your site and the photo of the Oxo Eddystone Lighthouse. I have one too and mine appears to be built to stand over a gas burner. I have been told that this was used in my Granddads' shop in the 1950's as a promotional piece but I have no other information unfortunately. I have only found one other reference to these on the internet and that was one that was being sold after being adapted to an electric lamp.
You can see pictures of the item to which Graham refers at Viewer's Photos .

Carlos - November 2008 :-
This is Carlos from Lima, Perù; would like you to see these pictures about a TOP of an antique AGA Lantern room; am trying to sell this rare an unique one at this moment. Will wait for your kind answer,

John - November 2008 :-
A QUESTION FOR YOU - Considering the lighthouses on the entry to the river Tyne at North/South Shields, and the Esk at Whitby as an example where there are two lighthouses on piers relatively close together then is it a general rule that where the entrance has two lighthouses then the lighthouse on the left (on entry) is distinctly smaller than the one on the right? What is the pattern in the UK? Are there any counter-examples? Is there anything to be gained by having the lighthouses at different sizes? Is is a fog/cloud layer thing or what? OK that was more than one question.

Ted - November 2008 :-
I was looking at your lighthouse directory and brought up the lost light house APEX LIGHT. I would like you to know that it is not lost but living in Goole as part of the Waterways museum collection. I am painter and decorator by trade and have just been given the contract to paint it starting tommorow. Sadly the lighthouse does not work any more but is intact except for the wooden piling. If you would like to get up close and personal with it then please ring me on my mobile and I can arrange for you to visit and take photographs. (Ted took 108 photographs in January 2009 and you can see a small selection at Viewer's Photos .

Jim - November 2008 :-
I have recently purchased a cornish serpentine lighthouse. It is minus the glass and the top. It weighs 18 lbs and with the hat and glass would be 17 inches tall. Would you know if it is possible to get a new top made?.or could you direct me to somebody who would know how old it is. It is one piece of rock and your information leads me to believe it's possible pre 1933,and I think it might be a eddystone(a guess). Any information would be greatfully received.

Mike - November 2008 :-
I came across this on your web site whilst researching details of my grandfather W H Broom who was a lighthouse keeper. I dont know if you were able to help Deborah..... but I am very sure that the WH Broom she refers to is in actual fact my Grandfather. He also was keeper at Lowestoft lighthouse (where my mother Doris was born) and after the 1st world war he was stationed at St marys lighthouse at whitley bay. My mother used to tell me storys of how she had to be rowed a shore to get to school and of how she was stranded ashore one winters evening as it was too rough to get a boat across. Great site by the way

Brian - November 2008 :-
Your very interesting website gives the date of the Flatholm lighthouse as 1820, but I'm wondering if you have any evidence of an earlier light prior to 1820.

Nadia - November 2008 :-
I have been reading the information on your website with great interest. I am currently researching the history of the optical beacons in Hatfield and surroundings for an upcoming public art project in the area. I have found maps where 9 beacons are shown in the South East England area, but Hatfield is missing. I was wondering if you might be able to give me some tips or leads which to follow up? Any information you might know of, would be greatly appreciated!

Phil - October 2008 :-
Love the website. I have just found a 1902 oxo promotional lighthouse urn, it stands about 30 inches high, made of copper, with three little electric light bulbs at the top, modelled on the Eddystone Lighthouse. The combination of steaming oxo and electricity strikes me as somewhat hazardous, but I can find very little reference to it, do you know anything about them?
You can see pictures of this at Viewer's Photos .

Brent - October 2008 :-
I just read your piece on the ornamental lighthouse industry of Cornwall. Well done, you. I was interested to read that it is still being conducted - I thought it had died out decades ago. I am hoping to obtain supplies of serpentine in any form, but chippings would actually be better than great boulders. Bucketloads would be a start, but eventually lorryloads.? Could you please suggest some contacts in Cornwall - anybody who is digging it up or using it or selling it?

Norman - October 2008 : -
Just by a piece of luck I discovered your very interesting site. I noticed that you had no image for the Hoylake antique lighthouse. I happened to have a XIX century watercolour by Thomas Swift Hotton depicting Hoylake. I would not be surprised to learn that a construction appearing in it is that lighhouse. I am sending you images of that watercolor hoping they could fill a gap in your site.
You can see this picture at Viewer's Photos .

Fiona - September 2008 : -
I am just writing you a quick note to let you know that as the owners of Buchan Ness Lighthouse, we are now available for wedding bookings or holiday bookings. This venue is totally unique and comes with extensive grounds should a marquee be required, complete privacy, and even its own helipad.

Earl - August 2008 : -
Hi,Mike. Carlos of Lime,Peru has some items for sale in the odds & ends, Barbier, Bernard & Turenne a tool box and light. What is the price. Thanks. Earl

Janet - August 2008 : -
We collect pictures, stories, paperwork anything really to do with Canvey Island. I came across your website which included Chapman Lighthouse when I was researching for an article I am preparing on the lighthouse. I have lots of pictures but I was intrigued to see the workings of the actual light. Is this definitely from the Chapman and if so who do I contact to get permission to use the pictures. Many thanks in advance for your help. Please take a look at our website and you will see we are legitimate.

John - August 2008 : -
I was actually interested in the previous existence of lighthouses at Seaton Carew when I saw an entry for South Gare on page 2: On here it states that South Gare lighthouse is in County Durham. South Gare and its lighthouse is in fact in North Yorkshire - Redcar & Cleveland if you want to quibble. North Gare being in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, County Durham but there is not much there only a simple concrete pier and no lighthouse. And there's a couple of typos in the Seaton Carew entry.

Colin - August 2008 : -
Hi, I was looking for info on a cap badge I have put on ebay and I came across your site and saw you dont have one. Have a look. Many thanks.

Paul - July 2008 : -
Having grown up in Tatsfield I have recently returned to live in the nearby Warlingham area after many years in foreign climes. Having "nothing better to do.." I have been recently refreshing my memories of the district and came across your mention of the Tatsfield Aerial Lighthouse which along with some other curiosities inspired me to investigate certain matters more fully. I have just returned from finding a 1941 OS map to study which (rather surprisingly given the wartime date) shows the location of the beacon. See attachment!! Having investigated the area suggested - 223NNW of the listening station - I can vouch for the fact that there is an interesting rectangular area now very overgrown with trees 35 x 17 metres approximately, marked out with bricks in the ground which might just have been the place. On a hunch last night, I thought to check certain dimensions and was rather pleased with myself today for being able to confirm that as I had thought quite possible, that site was in fact once a tennis court presumably for the amusement and exercise of the listening station staff. ! In fact the marked point is approx 240 metres SE of the entrance to the listening station where to this day there is a lattice radio mast which I remember having existed there since the 1961 when as a child we moved here from Croydon. The size of the fenced enclosure in the photo on your site appears very similar to the existing site although the boundary is well over grown but I shall investigate tomorrow. This is between Beddlestead Lane and Tatsfield Approach road and is a marked high spot of 865 feet ASL on some OSmaps. This location would also seem to far more sensible than the suggested NNW of the listening station as it is in a treeless area unlike the other which is next to a copse that is clearly marked on maps dating far earlier. Hope this is of interest to you.and maybe if you get to update the website, some of your future viewers.

Andrew - July 2008 :-
Please could you tell me which was the first lighthouse reputedly to have a flushing toilet. Thanks.

Pauline - July 2008 :-
I came across your web-site by accident and was interested by it. I do like your web address!. I have 3 Goss lighthouses which I would like to sell. Two are of the Eddystone Lighthouse and are in perfect condition. (The crests if you are interested are Worthing and Knaresborough). The third is of the North Foreland Lighthouse and has been repaired at the "neck". The crest for this one is Burgus Newberie.

Liz - July 2008 :-
I have just been looking at your website with interest. I am a primary school teacher and in September I plan to carry out a topic on 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch' with my Year 1 class. I have been busy collecting resources about lighthouses and would use the fabulous picture resources and links on your site. I was wondering if there is any way you may be able to help us with our topic?. Is there anyone who could talk to the children or are there any resources you could suggest to make the topic come alive for them? (We're a long way from the sea in Gloucestershire!) Thank you for your time,

Pat - July 2008 :-
I've just written a short travel feature about my trip but that's started me think about whether there were ever any female lighthouse keepers in the UK. I've found 3 in the US (Abbey Bayess, Ida Lewis and Fannie Slater) but none here. Do you know of any? The 3 US ones were not on rock lighthouses which I guess would be very difficult for women. Anyone know. Thanks!

Mary - June 2008 :-
May I ask was Killingholme Lighthouse the 1st to have a flushing toilet, as usual its for a quiz. I did enjoy finding out things about Lighthouses I as an ex-dinghy sailor never even thought of. Once more Thanks

John - May 2008 :-
Would you know of any novels about lighthouses? I have plenty of text books about lighthouses but I find novels (about any historical subject) can be most interesting.

Carlos (from Lima, Peru) - May 2008 :-
I have several very antique pieces from LIGHTHOUSE for sale; want to be sure if you want to see pictures about them, among others: a copmplete AGA LANTERN ROOM TOP, 2 (two) 500 mm Drums of 4th Order FRESNEL LENS, an antique BBT box of tools, burners, etc. Thanks, Best regards,
Note - you can see the Barbier, Bernard & Turenne burner and tools under 'Odds & Ends' and you can get in touch with him via me.

Deborah - April 2008 :-
I am wondering if you could possibly help me to find out a bit of information on the Killingholme Lighthouse {the one that closed in 1920}. I think My Great- Grandfather may have been one of the keepers or assistant keeper, I only have his initials for his first name, it is W.H.Broom and I think he was at Killingholme between 1910 and 1920 when it closed, I also think he may have had his daughter {my grandmother} with him at the time. I have tried to get this information from personnel records but I don't seem to be able to get any after 1910. I do know that he was at Longships Lighthouse between 1908-1910. The reason for my query is that my Grandmother is a bit of a puzzle to us, and we are trying to track her past through the man she lived with for the early part of her life, we know him as Harry Broom but since finding W.H.Broom on the personnel records we know think that Harry was W.H. Broom. This is all a bit of a grey area with us as my grandmother didn't know much about her early years as she came to live with relatives in Macclesfield, when her father went to work on a Lightship, we don't know which one that was either. Thank you.

Bruce - April 2008 :-
I found your website by accident whilst searching for the origin of "Margaret Ness". The nearest I have been to a lighthouse is the early 1970's, when I was a member of Shoreham Lighthouse Club. We kept our boat there, ate very well, listened to the jazz bands and admired the yacht (and passengers) owned by a well known Men's Magazine proprietor. None of this is relevant to your website which, in my opinion, is fantastic. Please keep up the good work.

Keith - March 2008 :-
I am attempting to to do some quality landscape photographs of British Lighthouses and came across your very good website. I have looked up Trinity house list of lighthouses but realise that they are only the working ones for instance St Mary's Lighthouse Whitley Bay is not listed. Could you please give me some pointers of other such lighthouses. If possible could you recommend any working or not working lighthouses that are accessible i.e. not out at sea or difficult. Any photographs I manage to take of this fabulous subject I will let you have copies. Here is a photograph of Bamburgh Castle to show what I am trying to achive.

Malcolm - March 2008 :-
Mike I am another sad old 72 year old git. Have you postcards I can view of anything on the Gower ?.

Paul - January 2008 :-
Hi Mike! Thanks for an entertaining site. My father, Alec Nethercott was a lighthouse keeper for 40 years, and was stationed on the Gunfleet in his early years and referred to it as a "chicken shed on stilts". He was principal keeper of the Bishop Rock in 1958 during the centenary year and was presented with a serpentine model which flashed every 10 seconds or so. It held pride of place on the TV set and was switched on every evening. As the reception was appalling on the Isles of Scilly, every time it flashed the picture went off. It was years before my mother realised you could swith the flasher off, so we could never follow any program that was on. I was born when we lived at Bullpoint lighthouse in Devon in 1947 but sadly only lived also at Cromer in Norfolk, as the rest of the time we were in Trinity cottages as father was usually on remote locations, but in 1952 were in cottages in Dovercourt; so again your photos of the Dovercourt lighthouse brought back memories.
Sad old git? Not a bit! Thanks again,

Allan - December 2007 :-
You mention that the Shot Tower was demolished on or before June 1953, but I have a photo of it and the RFH which I took on 24 April 1957. I have just "Google"d Shot Tower to try to find the demolition date.

Frank - December 2007 :-
I've just read an entry on your webpage and noticed that you mentioned "Pontin's Holiday Camp" within the section about the lighthouse in Pakefield. It kind of broke my heart, as I do marketing for Pontins. Pakefield's holiday Centre is certainly not a "Camp" or anything like that (and never was since Romans :). If you could make this slight change and maybe add a link I would be more than grateful.Thank you for a great resource about lighthouses and kind regards.

John - December 2007 :-
I stumbled across your website whilst researching lighthouses. I was recently down in Plymouth researching family history. Members of my family down in Plymouth have told me that my great-grandfather was a keeper of the Eddystone Light after the great war. This must be where my fascination for Lighthouses came from. Unfortunately, as I'm sure you know Trinity House records for that period are rare because of bomb damage during the war. Whilst down in Plymouth I took some photos of Smeatons Tower and am sending them to you to see if you would like them for your site. One picture in particular has Smeaton's Tower in the foreground with the Plymouth Breakwater Lighthouse in the background. I hope you can use them.

Michael - October 2007 :-
Thank you for the Gunfleet lighthouse page. My great-great uncle was the keeper at this lighthouse(amongst others) from 1903 to 1910. Your site was the best one I found for information about the place.

Terry - October 2007 :-
Hi there, I stumbled upon your website trying to figure out where Margaret Ness Lighthouse is. Your guide at least gave me an idea where to find it. Thought it might be a useful suggestion for Lat & long positions to be added to all lighthouses on display on your website. This will allow viewers to use something like Google Earth to view the actual position of the Lighthouses.

Ian - September 2007 :-
Thank you so much for putting your fantastic website up. My great great grandfather, Edward Jones, is mentioned on your site. He was the keeper of the Crosby Lighthouse as well as the North Wall Lighthouse. He was a seaman on one of the lightships prior to that. It is really great to be able to Google his name and to my utter amazement, see your pages and the places where he spent so many years. One question is where did you came upon the pictures of these two lighthouses. I would love to have higher resolution copies that I could frame for myself and for my Dad. Thanks again for putting up such a great and informative site.

Daniel - August 2007 :-
Onto my points of interest, that primarily being the vintage lenses that refract, magnify and reflect a light source. Your site came up when researching BARBIER BENARD & TURENNE (BBT). I have been interested in lens construction, function and usage since my 80's residence in the Leeward Caribbean, and have since located and possess any number of fresnel lanterns (railroad as well as marine), continually seeking new varieties of that beauiful engineering art and people who know of them. My finest lens is French, a fifth order belt fresnel fabricated by LUCHAIRE in St. Ouen, a northern suburb to Paris. At 187.5mm focal length, the slightly amber glass with some chipped prisms, a small arc of lens unfortunately missing and the nickel coated brass (or bronze) diagonal supporting braces is quite something to behold. Functional too. I know little to nothing of the company, although I have other lanterns made by a Parisian Luchaire company, but at a different address. I recently purchased a BBT masthead or pier lantern (with no burner/font):

Rosemary - July 2007 :-
I put lighthouse keeper's badge into my search engine and your website came up. I was given a badge, I assume its a cap badge, back in the late 60's/early 70's by a penfriend who was on one of the light houses in Scotland at the time. I wondered if you know of any collectors who would be interested. I may put it on ebay but have no idea of the value. I can take a photo and attach it to an email if you'd like me to.

Mike - July 2007 :-
You may be just the man to help me. I found you on the net. I am looking for a high quality photo of a lighthouse to be the new header for my web site. The specification is quite specific and my searches so far have led me to 100's of pictures but none meet the criteria. It needs to be: A reasonably traditional / iconic lighthouse (probably red and white) - Landscape in shape with plenty of slightly rough sea (ie not calm and not stormy) - Ideally with the light house on the left side of the picture and lots of sea out to the right. Do you have such a picture or know of one? I am happy to pay for rights to use the picture. Your web site is great by the way - it is so good that someone holds all this information in one place. I look forward to hearing from you. With best wishes.

Dean - June 2007 :-
Hi Mike, I saw this just the other day is it a old lighthouse ?, pics attached. (You can see these photos in Viewers' Photos)

Sandra - May 2007 :-
Fortunately, I found your website through Google, My 81 year old Mother has a Lizard Lighthouse which she had bought for her in C1965, the top, which has circular glass for the light has broken and needs replacing (it's pretty thick glass) and so has the very top part although this may be repairable. It measures 4" from top to bottom of glass. I think the lighthouse itself with the stone base measures in the region of 14 inches or so (without the top). Can you please help me by suggesting where I might have it repaired, I would really appreciate your assistance. Kind regards and thank you in advance.

David - May 2007 :-
Found you website quite by chance. As an aviation historian working on a project dealing with aircraft losses around the Scottish Islands, I have travelled many of these islands visiting wrecks, though aside from my research into aircraft I enjoy visiting and photographing various historical relics, brochs,castles,ruins, AA batteries & of course on my travels have seen and admired many lighthouses, and in fact a small number have played an important role in my work. For instance in Dec 1943 a plane out of fuel crash-landed on Auskerry and the pilot due to bad weather was forced to remain on the island for nearly 2 weeks as guest of the lighthouse keepers. In 1942 another plane crashed on the cliffs at Barra Head very close to the lighthouse. And further south,the lighthouse keeper on Lundy was one of the first on the scene when a Heinkel crashed there in 1941. Wishing you continued success with the website.

John - April 2007 :-
Hello!. I found your very informative website on Lighthouses and wondered if you would be able to help me. I'm currently tracing my family tree and have found out that my great-grandfather (George Henry Williams) was a lighthouse keeper. I got this information from one of my relatives who is "the family historian" in as much as she knows everything. Unfortunately his name does not appear on any of the Trinity lists. What I do know is that he was killed when his Lighthouse was destroyed during World War 2....one of the last to be destroyed by the enemy before the British decided to close them down themselves. I just wondered if you had any tips on other places I could look. Thanks for taking the time to read this....

Sarah - March 2007 :-
Hello there Mike. I came across your website and thought I would drop you a line. I am writing from ITV Meridian, regional news here in the South East. I am researching a series of little features about the lighthouses in our region and wondered if you had any tips for me, good local contacts or enthusiasts. Also, do you own the copyright of those wonderful sepia photographs on your site? Would it be possible for me to reproduce any of them in my packages? Many thanks and all the best

Helen - March 2007 : -
I am currently reading "Five go to Demon's rocks" with my daughter and we would love to stay in a lighthouse for a family holiday. Can you give me any tips? I have only found one in Pembrokeshire at St Ann's Head and three on Shetland, which is a bit far although looks great fun! Many thanks.

Andrew - March 2007 : -
Just got myself over 1,400 vintage lighthouse postcards to sell, knew nothing regards lighthouses and so came across your web site. Very informative and has educated me lots on all aspects of them. Great work.

Chloe - March 2007 : -
I am writing to you having spotted an image of Bishop Rock Lighthouse on your site. As a freelance writer, I am currently putting together a book for an artist who lives on Bryher. He talks about the beam of Bishop Rock Lighthouse lighting his bedroom wall as a child - always reminding him of home. I would love to use the image you show but as we are on a small budget (it is a self published 88 page book) I haven't budgeted for any copyright fees. Can you let me know the copyright details and fees? Many thanks for your time and the lovely images which I thoroughly enjoyed browsing.

Kelly - February 2007 :-
Hi There. I am writing on behalf of Oxford Archaeology with reference to a current project entitled 'Englands Historic Seascapes'. This is part of a pilot scheme commissioned by English Heritage. The aim is to provide a marine planning tool which takes into account maritime heritage. The project involves applying Historic landscape characterisation to the marine environment. In effect this creates large character areas with specific characteristics As part of the project we have to produce html pages on each character area and I was wondering whether you would be happy for us to use the image of Gunfleet Lighthouse from your site, obviously referenced to yourself? The site would theoretically be available to the public, though English heritage's timeframe on this is unknown at present. As such it may serve to highlight your site as a useful source of information. Many thanks for your time

Cowsha42 - February 2007 :-
I have got a few postcards off my gran; one is of St Bees lighthouse a brown and white photo. Can you tell me if it would be worth anything ?

Bernard - January 2007 :-
I live Paris but like you I collect every thing about the lighthouse. Toys, serpentine, models, parfume, mascot for car, books, lighters, newspaper for chidren, chromos, movies, theatre.... I do that since 6 years and I have a lot a things. I did an exhibition in Paris at the Britanny House. My job : I am the Editor of a French yachting magazine. I did also a lot of report about the lighthouses for TV programme and also for some magazine. For instance, I stay a week in Cordouan, very beautiful lighthouse. I have read some years ago a book about the gift of the sea. And I prepare a new one about the lighthouses. I need some inforamation about the serpentine lighthouses and also about the lighthouse made of sand of alun bay.

Jeff - January 2007 :-
Hi found your website very interesting, this is the first information I have ever found that seems to help with the origin of a similar, stone lighthouse that I have owned for over twenty five years. It is 2ft high, the base seems to be made from unpolished stone, and contains a barometer. It is very heavy, and seperates into two seperate pieces, the lighthouse itself is made of a polished dark red veined stone, possibly serpentine, and though the thermometer itself is missing, the scale it was housed on reads in Farenheit. I would be very interested to know your thoughts on this item, since it does not seem to quite match any of the lovely pictures found on your website to aid identification. (Picture attached)

Sue - December 2006 :-
Hi, I have just discovered that my Grandmother, Agnes Knott, is a descendant of a long line of Lighthouse Keepers. I loved your site, if you can recommend any reading material that may help with my research of the Knott family I would love to hear from you. Thank you for the site,

Sally - November 2006 :-
I am researching the Bootle Lighthouse and came across your reference to the Bootle Bull which was fascinating. Could you let me know if you have any other background or history on the Bootle Bull? Many thanks and hoping to hear from you.

Dartford & Gravesend Buildings Preservation Trust - November 2006 :-
You may recall we corresponded a little while back on some of the Thames Lighthouses, you may be interested that the Trust has managed to get the Northfleet Lower Lighthouse recognised as historically important and Listed Grade II which should help ensure its future.

John - October 2006 :-
Just a note to say thank you for the obviously hard work you have put in creating the various web sites which I have found most interesting.

Diane - September 2006 :-
Do you know of anybody that makes mantel clocks in serpentine rock in your area? - Many thanks

Beryl - September 2006 :-
What a find. So pleased to have found you, and hope you can help. About 1976-1977 whilst on holiday in Cornwall, my mother bought me a serpentine lighthouse. It stands about 20 inches high. Over the years the glass top has broken. Replacing this could be difficult as the glass is attached to the stone top. I have searched the Internet extensively, but am unable to find the original maker. From memory it was a small concern situated on the Lizard. As mum has been dead for many years, I am particularly keen to have this repaired. Please say you can find a replacement top. If necessary I can post you the original top.

Simon - In September 2006 :-
I am researching a book on the history of corrugated iron in architecture. I would like to include Gunfleet Lighthouse as an early, unusual use of the material and, to this end, I would like to include a photograph (or engraving) of the lighthouse. Do you have a photograph that I could use (3 to 5mb) and that you could email to me? Your help would be much appreciated,

Tony - September 2006 :-
I may have contacted you previously but just in case I am contacting you again. Whilst looking at your web site I notice you have photos of Saltend lights. I am writing a book on English and Welsh lighthouses and wondered if you would be prepared to let me have copies of these photographs please. I would of course give you the appropriate credits and mention your fine web site

Bettina and Phil - August 2006 :-
First of all I would like to say what a fantastic web site you have and the images are great. My partner and I are artists, we have recently visited Spurn Point and it's delightful lighthouse. Our work involves the changing costal landscape of Britain and we have recently completed a collection of prints from our visit to the east coast of Scotland. We are now compiling observational research into our next location which took us to Spurn Point. After reading through your web site we noticed that you got access to inside the lighthouse and have now refocused our interest into using the lighthouse and central focus point to our work in and around that area. We wondered how you gained permission to enter the lighthouse?

Robert - August 2006 :-
Hello, do you know when the Bootle Navigation Beacons were demolished. I found a reference to Bootle Lighthouse on your excellent web site.

Ricky - August 2006 :-
I'm working on making a model of two old Edystone lighthouses. The 1699 Winstanley and the later Smeatons stone structure. From your website I see you have visited Smeatons in Plymouth and have some good photographs. If possible do you have any more or higher resolution images I could have via email? They would be very useful in my recreating it and help make a much more accurate model. Also if you know where I can get drawings or plans of the wooden Winstanley lighthouse that was lost in 1703 I would be very grateful. Many thanks for your time,

John, from Australia - July 2006 :-
Greetings from Australia. Came across your site while looking for information on this piece of Serpentine stone lighthouse. It is listed on e-Bay. Thought you might like to use my photo for your site with my compliments.

Tom - July 2006 :-
I am doing some research with the intention of doing a book on all the lights in England and Wales. I notice on your site you have a drawing of the old lighthouse at Freshwater. I wonder if you would be prepared to let me have a copy. Of course you would be credited in whichever form you wish. It would greatly enhance that section of the book if you were kind enough to agree. I also notice you have photographs of Gunfleet and Mucking. Would it be possible to do the same for those two also? Many Thanks

Anton, from South Africa - July 2006 :-
Thank you for your very informative and easy-to-use websites. I am still slowly but surely working through them! In the mean time, I wonder if you can advise me. I will be in Devon during August and plan to tour the country as well. I would like to see as many lighthouses as possible, but I do not think my wife will allow me too many! We plan to drive from Dartmouth to Land's End for a start. Could you possibly suggest the best lighthouses to visit along that stretch of road, please? I am also considering doing the ferry trip to Scilly Isles to look at those lighthouses - would that be worth my while? I will definitely do my utmost to visit Lizard as well for the serpentine. I never knew about it until I found your website! I hope I am not a nuisance, but would like to hear some pointers from you.

Kitty, from USA - July 2006 :-
Hello, I visited England a couple of years ago and travelled down the Yorkshire coast from Whitby down to Spurn Head. We took photographs of several lighthouses and now, all this time later, I'm finally getting around to organizing these pictures. The pictures are to go into a 'travelog' gift that I'm making for my sister who was with me on the trip. I've identified all but one of the lighthouses. It's tall, octagonal in shape in four sections, painted white brick with a window in each of the upper three sections. The top is flat and the brown brick is exposed. If my description doesn't ring a bell, would you mind if I sent you the picture? Maybe you could help me identify it? Thankyou very much for your time, Kitty, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Linda - July 2006 :-
I was looking for some connection with my grandmother who was brought up in a Devon lighthouse. Three previous generations - the Knotts - were lighthouse keepers. I notice that someone on the website wanted to know something about the Halls. I know that someone about three generations back - a Knott married a Hall. I have a book 'They all lived in Lighthouses' written by somedoby Roberts to whom I wrote and discovered she was a distant cousin living in Warwickshire I think. However, I have lent the book to my nephew at present as he is trying to research the genealogy. I have not yet had time to explore the website further, but will certainly do so.

Marilyn, from USA - July 2006 :-
Your website is impressive. I am also a lighthouse lover. I live in the US, in Rochester, NY. I have lived near the Great Lakes all my life. Many lighthouses in the US are being restored by local historical societies. I have visited and photographed many of them. Then I draw them. Please take a look at some of my drawings on my lighthouse website:

Andrew - June 2006 :-
Good morning! I was pleased to discover your interesting website as air lighthouses are a subject that fascinates me. Recently I spoke to the archivist of the Croydon Airport Society, and he gave some useful information.

Johnny - May 2006 :-
Great site, some wonderful pictures. We've just added you to our lighthouse pages at Withernsea lighthouse.

Caz - May 2006 :-
I have just looked at your website and I wondered if you new anything about a Mr Bert Pascoe he was a serpentine turner in the Lizard. He was my grandad and my mum was born in 1946 and Bert died when she was 13 so that would roughly be 1959. I don't know alot about him or have many pictures, but I thought that someone in the collectors club might know something. I would be greatful if you anybody new anything but I would also understand if they didn't. Thank you.

Frank - May 2006 :-
Hello, Goodmorning, Firstly I was very impressed with your site, very interesting indeed. Secondly I wonder if maybe you can help a colleauge of mine in the U.S (Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum) he has recently obtained for his collection a Bell , supposedly from Lightship 94, built 1939 , the only markings are on the inside TH with an arrow, this is the only information that he has , could you possibly direct in the right direction so that we may be able to identify such vessel?

John - May 2006 :-
I enjoyed your Thames lighthouses and wondered if we might be able to link? The easiest way would be for me to copy your text and related image at each point and add a link and acknowledgement to your site each time. Would you be happy with that? I have taken the liberty of doing this for Stone Ness so you can see what I mean. I will of course delete it immediately if you are not happy.

David - April 2006 :-
I'm currently researching for a book covering Chance Brothers and came across your excellent web site. In particular, your article on the lighthouse created especially for the Shot Tower in 1951 is of interest and I would appreciate using a portion of your text.

Gail, from USA - April 2006 :-
On your Virtual Library you have 4 books by Rev. Edward A. Rand. I have a book by Rev Rand written in 1879 titled Schooner on the Beach. The cover reads Comrades Series illustrated. Do you know anything about this book? Do you want to buy it? I'm getting older and I know my children have no interest in old things so just want to get it into hands that will appreciate it.

Steve - April 2006 :-
Hi, my great great grandfather ran the Needles lighthouse from 1790 - 1860, his kids were born there, I am trying to find the book the Children of the Lighthouse author Marion Andrews. Can you help please ?

Blake - March 2006 :-
I am doing a research project for my SCUBA class and I have been given the assignment of finding out who designed and built the Cay Sal Bank Lighthouse at Elbow Cay in the Bahama's. I have learned that it was built under the mantle of the Imperial Lighthouse Service and was wondering if you have any other information in this matter. If you have anything you can give me (a phone number, website, or anybody else's e-mail who you think might have the information) it would be a great help. Thank you for whatever assistance you can provide.

Van W - March 2006 :-
Hi, I really don't think you will be able to help but I thought it was worth a try, I am trying to find the location of the pictures that I have sent to you in the attachment, as I am looking for track relatives of mine,. The picture on the right hand side is well what looks to be a harbour wall with an octagonal red and white lighthouse just off to the left at the end of the harbour, it doesn't look to be an extremely large one and from another picture I found it has a weather vain of somekind on the very top and a lookout room with the metal rails in the octagonal shape around it, I think it is in Lancashire somewhere and was wondering if you knew of any wallside, harbour octaganal lighthouses in the Lancs area. I know its a longshot, but thank you anyway

Harry - February 2006 :-
Hi Browsing your web on Thames lights I came on Broadness and this reminded me that it had another name "Perrys Point". He was my father and he was foreman engineer with Everard at Greenhithe. When a major engine refit had been carried out and trials had to be run and Broadness was the extent of the trial.

Norman - February 2006 :-
Hello, This is a copper model of the Eddystone lighthouse. Its 30 inches high. Made for Oxo Ltd in the early 1900's. It would be much appreciated if you could give me any information you might have on this. Thanks again.

Solla - January 2006 :-
Is the attached picture the memorial to which you refer? I found it on the Crich Stand website.

Brian - December 2005:-
You may know this already - the stumpy lighthouse structure on the Eastern Arm of Newhaven Harbour in Sussex has been replaced this month by a slim version. It may be an optical illusion due to the slimmer housing - but the height of the new light appears to be higher above the jetty than the former one. My sailing enthusiast neighbour insists this is unlikely as all the charts would need altering. This makes a lot of sense but I wonder whether you know the answer?

Arthur, from USA - November 2005 :-
I live in Michigan USA and am a Light House nut. I am planning to go to London England Dec 4 to 18, to visit my daughter who is doing research there. After going that far to an island with lighthouses all around it, it seemed a shame not to visit a few of them. I have not found any travelers guides to Lighthouses there. As a member of the International Lighthouse Society, I have the CD of inventory of world Lighthouses but it does not gave any information about how to find them or if they are accessible. Do you have any suggestions for guides or web sites or other sources of information. Also do you have any suggestions of Lighthouses to visit on trips of a few days from London? I do not know where I will be staying but want to get started on the important things first.

RVP, from France - November 2005 :-
Good afternoon, I work for a French communication company. I visited your website, and I was interested in the pictures you've got about the Wolf Rock lighthouse. Do you have more pictures than on your site ? Which one s? Would it be possible to got them and under what kind of conditions ? Thank you for letting me know,

Sandy - November 2005 :-
Just thought you might be interested in some light house pics for your site: Today I was at Talacre, Point of Ayr - lovely blue skies and reflection I have several scattered through out my Virtualtourist site - but have grouped some together if interested e-mail me if you'd like higher resolution pics.

Ian - October 2005 :-
I really enjoyed looking at your website. I'm building scale models of the more 'interesting' lighthouses and am trying to get hold of a book (probably a booklet) called 'The Smalls: a sketch of the old lighthouse' by I. Emlyn. Have you come across it?

James - October 2005 :-
Hope you don't mind if I suggest a minor correction to your info about Bideford Lighthouse. Joseph Nelson was a collateral ancestor of mine and I have looked into his career a little. He built the lighthouses at Braunton, but died in 1833 so was not involved in the alterations in 1889.

Julie - October 2005 :-
Hi there my daughter is eight years old and has got a project about lighthouses she wants to write a paragrapth on how lighthouses help people on ships, can you tell me where to find this specific information and could we visit Hurst Point and look around it? I didn't realise there is so much information it has to be completed and handed in Monday 3rd October 2005. Any help would be much appreciated!

Reg - October 2005 :-
I have just looked at the images of the Serpentine Lighthouses on your site. The range you have captured is great and the pictures all clear. Having collected all items made in Serpentine for many years I am pleased to see so many different lighthouses listed here. The Harbour Lights made locally are interesting. Could you tell me who made them, or where they are made and can be bought? I have bookmarked the site and hope to visit it on a regular basis.

Nicola - October 2005 :-
I am currently writing a short story about a lighthouse keeper, but need to have some dea of what a 'normal' day would be like eg routine duties, but also the effect on someone like this of the isolation and closeness to the elements. Have tried the internet, but mostly info from USA and nothing personal. Can you help?

Morgan - September 2005 :-
I am interested in your site and always look for the new items added. I have sent you a picture of one of my latest Serpentine buys. I know nothing about it except that I paid £15 at a car boot sale on the isle of wight. Do you know anything about this type of serpentine. Keep up the good work.

Percy - September 2005 :-
Sir. please can you help me. I would like to read up on how the reaches [galleons etc] got their names, I can guess each reach was how far a sailing ship could expect to reach by the turn of the tide, but other than that I am clueless.

Susan - September 2005 :-
I hope you will not mind me contacting you but I found your name on the website for Lighthouses and maritime history and I think you may just be the gentleman l need to speak to. I am outlining a childrens book for the 10 -15 year olds,and the story will be placed around a little girl who is sent to a distant relative who happens to be a lighthouse keeper in the west of England. The story will be centred in the 1950's and of course I will need some background info on the era and as much as I can learn about the keepers and the history. If you have time I would greatly appreciate any pointers toward the best reading material and any historical societies that might be able to help. The lighthouse and its positioning will of course have to be imaginary but the history will be as accurate as I am able to obtain. Once again I appreciate your time and hope this is not an imposition.

Nick - September 2005 :-
Delighted to have found your website. I was searching for more information on my grandfather, William Mathias. William was born on Hilbre Island in 1835 where his father kept the light and telegraph station. He entered the lighthouse service at the age of 12 in 1847. I know that he was at Bidston in 1881 and that he was principle keeper at Great Ormeshead, Llandudno, from 1885 until 1901. I also know, from a newspaper cutting, that he witnessed the wrecking of the Juno close to Crosby lighthouse ­ but don't know if he worked there. With very best wishes,

Tom - September 2005 :-
Hi thought you might like this one for your page of South Stack on Anglesey. I took the picture on our holiday.

Andrew - August 2005 :-
I found your web site via a google search for UK Lighthouses. I am organising an activity for a scout group to actually learn map contours but we are building a 3 D form from a flat countour map and then making a lighthouse to go on top. To keep it on a theme I am doing a couple of lighthouse related games and activities. I need to do a word search so was looking for about 15-20 unusual names of UK lighthouses and also doing a Lighthouse jigsaw hunt so I was looking on the web for 4-6 high resolution pictures of UK Lighthouses that will stand printing at A4 size (then laminated and cut up and hid around the scout hut). I found several nice pictures on you gallery but they are all low resolution and I found on other sites some high res shots (800*600 PLUS poreferably 1000*1000 plus) but they are all foreign lighthouses. Would there be any chance that you would be able to help with any high res pictures and or sugestions of unusual UK lighthouse names?

Pam - August 2005 :-
Read your site with interest and thought perhaps you could help me. I'm looking for the nam of the last manned lighthouse on the East Coast (this is all in aid of a quiz for the RNLI). I thought it might be the one at Spurn Point, but reading numerous web sites gives no indication. In fact trawling through the web looking at various lighthouses I can't pick up any clues anywhere. If you have any information for me it would be appreciated. Promise to send you a cream cake out of my £25 winning!!!!! (Bribery might work on you). Thanks

Dawn - August 2005 :-
In response to the object your friend Gerry unearthed. However; I do not know what the object is but I have a sextant made by the same company and same label from London. Did you ever find any information ?

Martin - August 2005 :-
Love the site. Love it enough to offer you a copy of the Illustrated London News picture published Oct 17 1845 of "The New South Foreland Lighthouse". Scanned at whatever resolution you like from the original newspaper. The original image is about A4 landscape size. My family were keepers from 1710 to 1903 at this light (and its predecessor) also Skerries, St Anne's Head, Bull Point, Eddystone and Milford

Lyn - August 2005 :-
Looked at your web site which is great. I think St Catherine's Oratory on the Isle of Wight built 1312 approx. is the second earliest lighthouse ,after Dover. It was not much good because of sea mists so they built St Catherines lighthouse further down at Niton in 1838. It is octangular in shape and I wondered if you knew of any simialar shaped light houses in England

Delores - July 2005 :-
Originally from Cornwall I am an avid collector of serpentine lighthouses loved your site.

Steve - August 2005 :-
Just purchased a Serpentine lighthouse electric lamp. 16 inches tall, weight 7 kilos. browny/green in colour, there is a lead seagull on the rock base, Have you any information on this Lamp.

Kelly, from Canada - July 2005 :-
I am sitting here on a very dreary Canada Day looking up lighthouses of England, hoping to make a trip over the end of next April. Your website and photos have come up several times on the directory site that I have been using. I have been involved with LH preservation work for the past 9 years, although currently only on a local level as our heritage group has just acquired the small LH just up river from me and that will be my focus for the foreseeable future. I am the founder of the New Brunswick Lighthouse Society and served as VP on the Atlantic LH Council while it existed. I have done a complete inventory (photo and physical) of NB and PEI lighthouses for the regional head of our Coast Guard. anyway, like you am a LH buff.

Alan - July 2005 :-
I wonder if you or any of your contacts would be interested in a Copper model of the Eddystone light that was hand made by my late father. He was a coppersmith and unfortunately died on 2000 aged 87.When he retired in 1974 he made a working copper model of the Eddystone light which I believe is the Douglas Tower of 1882 - to the present day. The timing mechanics are in the wooden base and the light flashes on and off at the prescribed intervals. I have attached some photographs I have taken. Hope you find them of interest.

Bert - July 2005
Over the past few days I have had a look at your superb website and some of the links. I bought a print of a lighthouse a year ago and framed it & hung it on my living room wall and for some reason when I look at it, it has me totally gripped. It isn't of any particular lighthouse that I know of and it is situated in very rough seas which also fascinate me. The more I sit staring at it the more I feel as if I'm actually there. Since I bought it I have become totally obsessed with lighthouses and buy anything and everything I see on Ebay. I found your site by looking on Google and I'm glad I did. I find your book review & advice excellent on your site and there are a few there that I havn't got in my ever growing collection which I am adding to every week. I must tell you that my favourite light house (because I am originally from the area) is St. Marys Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you can help.

Anne - June 2005 :-
Thank you for your website - I think it is brilliant. I became really interested in lighthouses several years ago when visiting a pen-pal in Oregon USA. She and her husband took me and mine to visit the Giant Redwood Trees of California. We spent the best part of a day travelling down the Pacific Coast road and saw several lighthouses. From then on, I started collecting lighthouse memorabilia and am just nuts about all things lighthouse (as you will tell from my e-mail address!) I am a great crafter too so my collection includes things like cross-stitch pictures, patchwork fabric and lace bobbins, all with a lighthouse theme. Next stop has got to be a dolls' house lighthouse! Hubby bought me a digital camera for Christmas so if I get an opportunity, I will try and forward some photos - our favourite local one is Happisburgh as we live in Norfolk.

Ruth - June 2005 :-
I'm wondering if you can help me. I bought a framed picture today & I need help to identify the lighthouse. The body of the tower is white with a band of large lettering. The letter M is clear, possibly followed by an E & maybe other letters (the rough sea is obscuring the letters!). There is also a letter preceeding the M. The domed roof is black with a black metal overhang on the right & black railings around the walkway. There also appears to be a brick wall around the base of the lantern room . Any ideas please? I do hope you can help. With thanks

Catherine, from Canada - June 2005 :-
I enjoyed looking through your web site, it's great. I found it looking up information on Little Crosby Lighthouse which was once manned by a relative of my Uncle's. I am gathering some information for him on his family tree and intend on giving it to him as a project to work on when he retires later this year. I see that another relative of Thomas Abernethy has contacted you and provided some of your background info on the lighthouse. If you still have his contact info, would it be possible for you to either provide my contact info to him or provide me with his email address. My Uncle is unaware of this person and it would be nice to put them intouch to go over their common ancestors.

Diane - May 2005 :-
Saw your info on your Website and I was particularly interested to see that you have been in touch with Ian. I am researching Crosby Lighthouse and would like to contact him, if that is possible. I know you can't give me his details, but perhaps you could forward to him my e-mail address.

Ian - May 2005 :-
Excuse my ignorance, but could you please define what the "lower lights" are in relevance to a Lighthouse? What role did/do they play in helping seamen bring ships into the harbor.

Steve - May 2005
Hi great site, I wonder if you can help, my great great great grandfather and then his sons ran the needles lighthouse from 1800 till about 1850 ish and then moved onto the Flambourgh Head , I have census,birth, marriage and death certs stateing this but would you know were I could find anything out about there job orders etc, I have rang Trinity House but they were unwilling to help could you point me in the right direction, with thanks.

Federica - May 2005 :-
I have a new website (see URL) below, and was wondering whether I could put a link to yours in my useful links page. Thanks,

Charlotte - May 2005 :-
I am writing from a marketing communications agency looking into possible shoot locations. Could you please tell me where the nearest lighthouses are to Bristol?

Kevin, from Canada - April 2005 :-
Hi, it's Kevin in Calgary, Canada here. I just saw your lights website. Quite nice. I just bought an Irish Lights cap badge on eBay and I suspect that it is a repro or restrike but I don't mind. There are currently two or three on eBay an that would be quite odd if they were original wouldn't it? Do you know what type of fasteners the originals were made of and what type of metal? Regards,

Gordon - April 2005 :-
Was looking for information on this regiment (Irish Lights cap badge) and entered your site, until yesterday I didn't know of this regiment, can you give me any information on their history? Thanks.

Seamus - April 2005 :-
I have just visited your website for the first time and found it very interesting. We visit Cornwall every year, staying in our tent near St Just. I was sad to read on your site that the lighthouse museum in Penzance has closed. We visited the museum several times during the last ten years. Our most recent visit was last July. Can we start a petition to keep the museum open? Best regards and thank you for producing such an interesting website.

Peter - April 2005 :-
Can you believe it, I went fishing in my boat yesterday right next to the gunfleet lighthouse, I was there for a few hours and I didn't take my camera ! Rest assured however it is still in as good a condition as your current picture. When I go there again I will make sure I have a camera with me. I do not live too far away from Dovercourt and harwich either so will get you some pictures of the lighthouses there for you site too.

Phillip - March 2005 :-
I'm a photographer and I've recently photographed Whitford Point Lighthouse on the Gower Peninsula. The shots have now been placed on the Alamy photo library website, and I would be very greatful if I could use your description of the lighthouse in the description and keywording of the image. Here is a jpeg of the lighthouse, feel free to use it on your website.

Bob - March 2005 :-
I must compliment you on you collection of lighthouse photographs. I happenned to search for the old lighthouse at Languard Point, and found your Web site. Excellent

Sam - March 2005 :-
I am a student in the preliminary stages of proposing a year-long project in which I would interview current and retired lightkeepers around the world. With your knowledge of lighthouses in the UK, I was hoping that you might be able to direct me to current or former lightkeepers who would be interested in sharing their stories. Also, if you have any other advice for the project, I would be very grateful to hear your recommendations. Thank you.

Mginnisf - March 2005 :-
Just found your website,i have been trying to obtain a working model for years with no luck. Aa few years ago a chandler in the states (WEST MARINE) were selling working models of American lighthouses but they were 110 $. I have been in touch with this company but they no longer sell this item & they could not tell me the name of the supplier. Can you advise where I could obtain these items, or similiar? Thanks

Harrison - March 2005 :-
I would just like to write you a quick note to say thank you very much for setting up this web page. I am 7 years old and was asked to do some research on the net about light house's as my homework. I have printed some of your information and taken it to school I really enjoyed learning about your journeys and looking at your pictures. Thanks again

Fiona - March 2005 :-
Friend doing quiz and needs to know names of the keeper's daughter who helped rescue sailors in 1838. Can you help?

Andre, from France - March 2005 :-
Bonjour, Peut être que ça vous intéresse, meilleurs salutations, Le phare de eddystone.

Mark - March 2005 :-
Have just enjoyed yet another visit to your fantastic website. It really is packed full of interesting information and it must have taken you many hours of hard graft to put it together !

Earl - March 2005 :-
Many thanks for the site. Love the photo's and text. Keep the good work up. Regards.

Russell - March 2005 :-
Would it be possible you may have a up to date list of uk lights or at least in the SW uk. Thank you for your time.

Ian - February 2005 :-
Just had to contact you to say what a brilliant website, I live in Lancashire and don't often get to the sea, but I was fascinated since a child with lighthouses and your web is great. Keep up the good work!

Steve - February 2005 :-
Congratulations on a wonderfully set out website: informative and uncluttered. Although I know hardly anything about lighthouses or ships, yet, I've always had an interest in them, I think this is because of my solitary nature and I've always said a lighthouse keeper's job would have suited me! Because of all your hard work on your website I intend, in a very small way to learn more, visits will be rare as I'm inland and don't drive, currently bidding (on e-bay) for the 1913 book, Lighthouses and lightships, found several copies of the British Lighthouses book but all are over £100. I don't expect to ever get near your level of knowledge on this fascinating subject but I'll start to explore and see how I get on. Just one last thing. Obviously most lights are at sea or on the shoreline but I inderstand there are/were some inland ones on high ground. Which is/was Britains most inland light and how far inland is/was it?

Ken - February 2005 :-
My wife and I are planning a trip to the UK for the month of May and we would like to visit several lighthouses as we have time and opportunity. Can you recommend a source that would give us information on the locations of existing lighthouses and directions to find them? Any guidance that you can supply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Kindest regards,

Rebecca - February 2005 :-
I am interested in purchasing a sample of your light house light pull. I currently manufacture blinds and I am looking to use this as a pull on the bottom

Allan - January 2005 :-
I am requesting your help as an expert on lighthouses to identify the locale in this photo on the south England coast. I'm sending a large photo to make it easier to see the lighthouse. Thanks in advance.

Laurie - January 2005 :-
Hello, I have a large collection of lighthouse material for sale and wondered if you know of any specialist outlets / auctions / dealers? Thank you,

Brian - January 2005 :-
Hello there, I work at Gallions Point Marina, Woolwich and I also keep the website up and running. I have just stumbled across your site, its very interesting as a boating person I found it great. Would you mind? if I put a link from Gallions Point Marina site to yours for interesting information? No offence taken if you say no, ok thanks and good luck with the site bye for now.

Ian - December 2004 :-
I stumbled across your site whilst 'googling' and was pleased to see a mention of my ancestor Thomas Abernethy. However, most of what you had to say about him was not correct and I suspect you got it from June who was putting two and two together and making twenty-seven! I don't suppose it matters much but if you would like the true story of Thomas Abernethy (who was master of the Mersey light vessels before he came ashore) then I can supply you with same.

Joyce - December 2004 :-
Hello. I am searching for the answer to a puzzle ,and have loved reading through your web pages but can find no reference as to which was the first light house to have installed a flush toilet. It was built in 1861 but I can find no mention of that on any site Hopefully you can help me and thanks in anticipation of that

Judy - December 2004 :-
I am mailing regarding something I found on your lighthouse site - A book called the Old Light Lundy which is a cardboard cut-out book published by the Landmark Trust in 1976. Is it possible to buy one anywhere? I am a final year design student and am using this building as the basis for my Final Major Degree project in Interior design. I have got original plans of the lighthouse from North Devon County Record Office but this book would be amazing for my project. I will phone the Landmark Trust tomorrow but suspect that it is out of print so if you know of a copy that I could buy anywhere I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.

Duncan - November 2004 :-
First, congratulations on a really interesting website. I didn't realise there so many lighthouse buffs out there. I was wondering whether you could help me. Do you know where I might be able to find some information on James Walker, the engineer in chief of Trinity Lighthouses? He is proving rather elusive

Victoria - November 2004 :-
I thought you might be interested to learn that the Robert Buckley who died in the Hightown lighthouse fire of 1898 was my great-great grandfather. It’s great to find your website because there is so very little on the internet about the lighthouse and the fire!

Steve - November 2004 :-
I'm unsure if I've contacted the correct person, I apologise if I've emailed you by mistake. I'm trying to find some information / pictures of the old Stanlow Hill Lighthouse in Ellesmere Port. I think it has now been turned into some offices or something like this? Any help would be massively appreciated!

Michael - November 2004 :-
Would you be interested in selling the Braunton light house post card ?.

Alan - October 2004 :-
I found your website when searching for 'Serpentine Stone UK' on Google. The reason for my search was that, as webmaster for www.buycornwall.co.uk, we are getting many enquiries for Serpentine Lighthouses. You will see that, at present, we have not signed up any suppliers for these products, and we wondered whether you knew of any such suppliers who would like to promote their products with online shopping through our facility. If you can help us to help them I'm sure it will be much appreciated.

Ted - October 2004 :-
I maintain the list of lighthouses for the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society and, I have a question on one of the lighthouses that you have on your Guide to English and Welsh Lights web page. You list the Apex lighthouse as being in Yorkshire, and I have had someone tell me that it was actually in Lincolnshire. And, in looking at the Ordnance Survey map for the area of the Rivers Ouse and Trent at Trent Falls, it shows a lighthouse icon on the south side of a boundary line. Is or was this lighthouse in Yorkshire, or Lincolnshire, or is it too close to call?

Michael - October 2004 :-
Hi. I bet I'm not the only person to tell you that Berry Head is by no means the highest light in the British Isles. That's just some guff put out by the local tourist office, and they've been getting it wrong for at least thirty years. They confuse "Berry" Head with "Barra" Head, of which, because it is in Scotland, they have never heard. The 57 lights higher than Berry Head - Check your sources.

Paul - October 2004 :-
hello, I wonder if you could help me. I have come into possesion of an Irish Lights Cap Badge in white metal, QVC, a re-strike I am certain. What I would like to know is, what were the Irish Lights in Queen Victoria's time. I hope that you acn find time to help. Many thanks,

Valerie - October 2004 :-
Chapman Lighthouse - Was demolished in 1957. I think there is archive film of a sail past in 1951 - any idea. Many thanks.

Betty - October 2004 :-
Well I have a little project going where I'm trying to rig up a new wiring system for this old wooden miniature light house. It is made of wood and sits about 21" high and about 15" around at the base. Well I'm having difficulty trying to make it work. If you have any advice on where I might be able to find just the lights I would greatly appreciate it. Are there any lights that I can find and use for this that blink?

Grand Designs - September 2004 :-
I am an Assistant Producer working on the channel 4 programme, 'Grand Designs'. I have just finished looking at your excellent website dedicated to Lighthouse enthusiasts and thought that you would be a good person to contact. We are currently looking for new-builds or conversions taking place in the near future and would love to cover the conversion of a lighthouse into a family home. Do you know of any such projects in the pipeline?

Yvonne - September 2004 :-
I have just been looking at your very interesting web site. I was particularly interested in the information that you had on the Penzance Serpentine Company as one of my ancestors was a Serpentine worker. He lived in Penzance and it puzzled me that he would have to travel to the Lizard every day - in 1881 no mean feat!! You have answered that query but I wondered if you have any more info on the company or if not where I might find some more. I only returned from holiday in Cornwall yesterday but even there information was scarce or maybe I wasn't looking hard enough!! I hope you might be able to help me

JH YU from Japan - September 2004 :-
Could you please post me a brochure some photos or postcards of some South West English Lighthouses. I will add your mail to my International collection of Maritime and Aquaculture post and use it for reference as a Info and reading hobbie. I hope to be taking up fishing as a Outdoor Sport by the start of next year. E mail back to you when I receive your post. Thanks Good luck for the future years to come please reply.

Renee - August 2004 :-
I know you have collected these items. I was just wondering if you would ever consider selling the Lighthouse Table Cigarette Lighter or if you know where I could find a Lighthouse shaped lighter. My aunt loves Lighthouses and the one thing she wants that she can not find is a lighter. Let me know. Thank you,

Bruce - August 2004 :-
Brilliant - thank you. I entertain my-self by producing commemorative postal covers (envelopes) under the title "Greetings From London's East End". I am working towards a cover to feature the Trinity Buoy Lighthouse to mark the third International Lighthouse Day, 22nd August. If I can quote you I will credit you - and send you a cover! Thank you

Martin - August 2004 :-
I wonder if you are able to assist. I am looking to research lighthouses in general and am looking for good quality research material. The sort of thing that would interest me is the recruiting, pay, working conditions, routine,technical details etc of lUK ighthouse keeping 100 years ago. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tim - July 2004 :-
I was wondering if you could identify a photo of a lighthouse, entitled The North Wall Light house. I have attached a copy for you, I noticed from you website that you have some info on a Lighthouse called The North Wall at Bootle, Lancashire and was wondering if my photo was this one. Look forward to hearing from you.

Nancy - July 2004 :-
I have been looking for info.on all the lighthouses of Britain,and was SOOO GLAD when I found your page. I am wanting to find a really detailed book that list all the lighthouses of Britain with photos. I saved the info.you wrote about the books. Thank you again for this. If you have any more info.please let me know. Thanks again,

Simon - July 2004 :-
Well I don't know why I seem to have a fascination with lighthouses , (couldn't get much further removed from rallying or shooting ) but I do , so just thought I'd say what a good informative site , keep up the good work !

Geoff - July 2004 :-
I am in the process of constructing a website about the Bow Creek/Orchard Place area of East London - history, family history etc - and we are (at this stage tentatively) planning a reunion of folks who used to live and work on this Peninsula, some of whom are still alive, in the summer of 2005.I want to add a webpage about the Trinity Buoy Wharf for the general information of people who are using my website, particularly angled round it's history and development aiming to prime them before such a reunion visit. Do you have anything I could use, particularly in the way of photographs (due acknowledgement would be given on the website to any contributions) and which you would be happy to see in the public domain?

Mike - July 2004 :-
Are you still progressing your site - there have been changes to the Shornmead light.

Pete - July 2004 :-
Hi there, entered a quiz recently and one question was where is there a wooden lighthouse, being one of a pair. Sorry no prizes, just a fun quiz, but you have my thanks.

Liz - June 2004 :-
Thanks for a very informative site. I am looking for a lighthouse as a location for a film, it has to be in Yorkshire. I know there are quite a few on your site but I'm not sure which are still working and which have been demolished. It doesn't have to be functioning, but it does have to have walls and roof and reasonable access. Hope you might be able to help narrow down the search.

James - May 2004 :-
Please could you tell me, what is the name of the clifftop lighthouse, first used in 1806, which is 2 miles east of Domesday's Flaneburc? Can you let me know today?

Richard - May 2004 :-
We live on the Scillies, and are researching the disappearance of the Principle lL/H keeper in December 1898, one John Ball, who is supposed to have fallen into the sea and drwoned, his body never being found.

Adam - March 2004 :-
Don't know if this will interest you, but I have recently had a book published featuring tours with my father to visit every lighthouse in mainland England and Wales. It seems you have managed to acquire more info than we did! Our book is more of a Bill Bryson type thing. If you think it merits a link, that would be very beneficial to us. Great site. All the best.

June - February 2004 :-
I am trying to find information on my g-g-g-grandfather Thomas Abernethy who was born on the Orkney isles and I believe worked in the lighthouse there but dont know which one and according to family tradition he then was transferred to Formby Lighthouse although I am not certain it could have been Crosby and I was interested to see if there was any information you can find out for me.

Iris, from Germany - October 2003 :-
I am the cooperator of the lightvessel working group - so unfortunately I am not very good in the history of lighthouses but I have been visiting your wonderful web page and found the joke with the blue Volkswagen Golf on the small island. I just would like to tell you, that this island is called: Inner Farne Island, Northumberland - Northwest- England I run a private web page here in Germany that is about lightships fom all over the world. Unfortunately it is only in German language - but I am working hard to translate it in English. Keep your light shining.

John - August 2003 :-
This is just a note to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed your site. I particularly like the emphasis on the lesser known lights which are too often ignored by most other sites. Your lighthouse guide is superb and has answered a few questions that I had. I hope you will continue your quest into Scotland. There is a lifetime's work up here for you! Hurry though - most of the minor light are fast being converted to the ubiquitous solar-powered 'dustbins'. Still, at least the NLB are maintaining them - they are even building new ones. The locations, of course, are fantastic. We live in south-west Scotland, so our local haunts are the Mull of Galloway, Portpatrick, Killantringan and Corsewall. The nearest lighthouses to us are Little Ross (being solarised as I write) and Hestan Island (already solar). Southerness Lighthouse (long since disused) is also close - it is apparently one of the oldest in Scotland. Keep up the good work!

Marshall - May 2003 :-
Just came across your side, looking for information on the Hodbarrow lighthouse. I'm enquiring on behalf of a group of people who are going to refurbish the lighthouse at Hodbarrow Point. Do you have and information on this lighthouse in the 1913 edition of British lighthouse. Any information would be greatly received. There is Project on the go to refurbish this lighthouse in the next few months. Money is now available to do the work. When this is done your site will need up dating. Will send you a updated picture of the lighthouse when the work is completed. Keep the site going, enjoyed looking around it. Many I ask you one more questions. Do you know of any other lighthouses that look like Haverigg Point. We are trying to make the refurbishment look like the original lighthouse, specially the interior of the lighthouse. Unfortunately the interior at Haverigg is all put disappeared.. Many thanks in advance.