Humane Institution at Bamborough Castle for the preservation of lives and property from Shipwreck. Signals from the Castle.
1st, “A great gun, a nine-pounder, placed at the bottom of the tower, to be fired in case any vessel be observed in distress; and the signal to be varied according to circumstances, in order that the Custom-house officers may hasten to give all possible assistance, as well as to prevent the wreck from being plundered.
2d, In every great storm, two men on horseback are sent from the castle, to patrole along the coast from sun-set to sun-rise, that, in case of an accident, one may remain by the vessel, and the other return to alarm the castle. Whoever brings the first notice of the distress is entitled to a premium, in proportion to the distance from the castle.
3d, A large flag is hoisted when, on the Fern islands, any vessel is seen in distress, that the sufferers may have the satisfaction of knowing their disaster is perceived from the shore, and that relief will be sent to them as soon as possible. In tempestuous weather, the flag will be kept up; a gun fired morning and evening, and a sky-rocket thrown up, every night, from the North turret, till such time as relief can be sent.
These are also signals to the Holy Island fishermen who, by the advantage of their situation, can put off for the islands at times when no boat from the main land can get over the breakers. Premiums are given to the first boat which puts off for the islands, with suitable necessaries and provisions.
4th, A bell on the South turret will be rung in every thick fog, as a signal to the fishing-boats.
5th, A large weathercock is fixed on the top of the flag-staff, for the use of the pilots.
6th, A large speaking-trumpet is provided to be used when vessels are stranded, or in distress near the shore, of which there have been many instances[[17]].
[17]. The patent signal trumpet (lately invented by Mr. Fitzgerald), to which a pistol or piece of ordnance can be screwed, is said to increase sound to such a pitch as to render the report of a common cartridge, fired through it, equal to that of a nine-pounder. Such an instrument therefore may prove highly useful to mariners in distress. Repertory of Arts, Vol. XI. p. 100.
As might also the Telegraph, which is now so much improved as to give signals by night, as well as by day.