http://www.oobject.com/category/the-extreme-architecture-of-lighthouses/

I find it fascinating how one need of many travellers and sailors has produced so many different yet similar designs.
Lighthouses - perhaps seen as a archaic structure now, with all our fancy technology and GPS. However, often the simplest solutions are the easiest and most effective to use, implement and maintain. Still now, lighthouses are used the world over for the 'just-in-case' scenario.

It is interesting how designs have been so similar. Yet the individuality and character of those around our very own coast are quite amazing. Some look as though they defy physics - perching on rocks.

Some of the pre-industrial designs had to be so solid to withstand so much force - http://www.oobject.com/the-extreme-architecture-of-lighthouses/video-of-lighthouses-during-very-stormy-weather/8300/  just gives you an idea of the sea.

And the cutting-edge technology that went into the lenses and ways of projecting light further. Science, mathematics and more precise ways of creating and cutting glass aided in lengthening the visible distance of the beam.
http://www.milwaukeehistory.net/museum/exhibits/online-exhibit/unlocking-the-vault/lighthouse-lens-text/

The other thing that fascinates me is the lifestyles of those that chose to be lighthouse keepers - winding mechanisms every 2 hours, looking out for vessels in distress.

These little capsules of history are amazing - travelling libraries...
Being a lighthouse keeper was often a lonely and solitary job, and reading was considered so important that traveling libraries were provided by the precursor to the US Coastguard service.

"The United States Lighthouse Establishment, precursor to the Coast Guard and the governing body of all lighthouses until the early 20th century provided traveling libraries that circulated between each lighthouse.

Each library was numbered and housed in a portable box. On the insides of each door contained a reading list of what the library offered as well as a travel log, detailing at which lighthouses the library had been at, and the amount of time spent there. "
http://www.oobject.com/the-extreme-architecture-of-lighthouses/united-states-lighthouse-establishment-travelling-lighthouse-library/8295/
http://www.milwaukeehistory.net/museum/exhibits/online-exhibit/unlocking-the-vault/lighthouse-library-text/

I love the one at Silloth. It feels forgotten, unnoticed - yet is such a part of the landscape. These are two images of the structure - lovely soothing green light.

"A Day's Pondering" 2008

Other Sites:
http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses/lighthouse_list/index.html