Sentinels of the Sea - The Amazing History of Lighthouses!
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Mark Lewiis joined us to give an increadible eye opening talk on the lighthouses. This illustrated talk is a general introduction to “pharology” - the study of lighthouses and other navigational aids, giving an outline from the prototype beacon - the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, and discussing the evolving history of their construction, particularly the offshore lights that are exposed to the full force of the ocean.
The various methods of illumination, operation and maintenance are also described. The second phase of the talk focusses on the men who kept the lights. Many lighthouse keepers led extraordinary lives of isolation in cramped conditions for many weeks before returning home to their families.
The hardships they faced and the duties they performed are discussed, including the advent of automation creating demise of their profession. But it ends on an optimistic note; in spite of modern technological developments such as GPS, the maritime community still value lighthouses and their future looks to secure for some time to come.
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