SMEATON’S LIGHTHOUSE AT THE EDDYSTONE.
On the 17th of August 1759, the main column of the lighthouse was completed. Forty-six courses of masonry had been laid, and the graceful structure raised to its specified height of seventy feet. The last work done, very appropriately, was the engraving of the words “Laus Deo” (Praise be to God!) on the last stone set over the lantern. At an earlier date, Smeaton, with devout humility, had inscribed on the course beneath the ceiling of the upper store-room, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” The iron-work of the balcony and the lantern were next erected, and the whole was surmounted by a gilt ball.
The internal arrangements of the lighthouse were as follow:—
First, the store-room, with a doorway, but no windows.
Second, the upper store-room.
Third, the kitchen, with a fireplace and sink, two settles with lockers, a dresser with drawers, two cupboards, and a rack for dishes.
Fourth, the bedroom, with three cabin-beds, to hold one man in each, with three drawers and two lockers in each to receive his separate property.
Fifth, the lantern, in which a seat was placed all round, except at the doorway.