THE FASTNET, THE OUTPOST OF EUROPE.
On the top of the rock is the first light, opened in 1854. At the side is the present noble tower, completed in 1906. The flashing beam of 750,000 candle-power has a range of 20 miles.
As the tower grew above the existing building, which it was to exceed in height, it obscured the light thrown from the latter in a certain direction. At this juncture, accordingly, a temporary scaffolding was erected upon the summit of the new shaft, on which were rigged two ordinary lightship lights, and these were kept going until the new lantern was completed. The last stone was set on June 3, 1903, after some four years’ labour.
During the winter everything was brought virtually to a standstill, owing to the succession of gales, but the men on the rock never missed an opportunity to advance the undertaking. Kavanagh, the foreman, absolutely refused to go ashore so long as any work could be completed. Often he remained on the Fastnet the whole year round, and never was away for more than two months in the year, when work was impossible. Other workmen, when they had lived down the first feelings of loneliness, became imbued with the same spirit, and appeared loth to forsake the scene of their labours even for a day or two. When the men settled down to their toil, it was very seldom that a wish was expressed to be taken ashore more than once in three months.
The lantern was undertaken directly the stonework was completed. The landing of this apparatus was an exciting task, for, the season being advanced, it was decided to run unusual risks, lest the rock should become unapproachable. It was accomplished successfully, and the various parts were stored on the rock in what was considered a safe place. The weather looked fine and gave no signs of breaking; yet two hours after all had been inspected and secured for the night a terrific gale sprang up, and the rock was enveloped in water, which dashed right over it. The waves caught some of the lantern apparatus and smashed it; other parts were carried away and never seen again. This was an unexpected catastrophe. The remaining damaged parts of the apparatus were sent back to Birmingham to be overhauled and the missing portions replaced.
As there was no possibility of being able to complete the lantern that winter, and the authorities did not like to entrust the marking of the rock solely to the temporary lightship lights—the lantern of the Halpin tower had been taken down meanwhile—it was thereupon decided to erect the dismantled old lamp in the new tower for the time being.
By courtesy of Messrs. Chance Bros. & Co., Ltd.
THE LANTERN OF THE FASTNET ROCK LIGHTHOUSE.
It consists of two tiers each of four panels of 920 millimetres focal distance.