Signals from the Bell Rock Lighthouse to the Arbroath Signal Tower
An illustrated manuscript
£6,930
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs
Auction: 07 February 2024 from 10:00 GMT
Description
bound manuscript, 32 x 26cm, comprising 11 pages with 28 hand-drawn and coloured illustrations showing positions of the copper signal ball and various signal flags with descriptions, early 19th century, contemporary half vellum over boards, paper label reading 'Regent Sender' to upper cover, some soiling to leaves, covers rubbed and worn
Footnote
FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE STEVENSON LIGHTHOUSE ENGINEERS
The Bell Rock Lighthouse was built between 1807 and 1810 by Robert Stevenson, and is the world's oldest surviving sea washed lighthouse. The Arbroath Signal Tower was built in 1813 to communicate with the lighthouse, and continued to do so until it was decommissioned in 1955. It is now a museum telling the story of the lighthouse. The main method of signalling between the lighthouse and the tower were large copper balls, which would be raised in the morning to indicate all was well. The initial illustration in the manuscript depicts the lighthouse's signal ball, with the caption: "When all is well at the Lighthouse in moderate weather, the Ball to be hoisted to the top of the Flagstaff every morning at Nine and continues up 'till Ten Oclock..." The manuscript continues, as an instruction manual, to describe each position of the ball, its meaning and which flags should be raised on various occasions or depending upon who is in residence.