The Light-house at the end of the Pier is one of the finest pieces of
masonry in the kingdom—it is a master-piece of the kind, and is proof
against the most violent storms and hurricanes by which it can be
assailed. It is built of Moelfre stone, a kind of marble, inside as well
as outside, on an inverted arch, and without any other timber than what
was necessary for the door cases and window frames. It consists of three
stories, or landing places, the ceilings of which are groined, and the
gloves are of smooth stone. The floors are of rough polished stones.
Its base is six feet above high water mark, and is protected from the sea
by a strong glacis. The tower, which is circular, is thirty-three feet
in height to the gallery, and the lantern, which is ten feet higher, is
lighted with twenty brilliant lights of gas, having reflectors plated
with silver, and displaying a strong white light in every direction,
which being at an elevation of fifty feet above the level of the sea,
affords a safe guide to vessels approaching the Harbour. There is a
lamp, with reflector, placed opposite an aperture, twenty feet below the
lantern, shewing a red light. This is not seen by vessels until they
have cleared all rocks outside, when it at once appears, and the vessel
alters her course, and runs for the Pier-head with confidence. In thick
weather the packets are guided by signal guns and bells, which are so
well arranged that sometimes the Pier Light-house has been the first
object seen after crossing the channel from Ireland.