Is erected on an island, or rather the summit of an isolated rock, from
which it takes its name, situated at the south west point of Holyhead
mountain, and about four miles from the town. This splendid structure
was commenced in the month of August, 1808; and the light was first
exhibited on the night of the 9th of February, 1809, and is of essential
service in facilitating the access to the Holyhead Harbour. It was built
at the sole expense of the Corporation of Trinity House, London. The
light is a revolving one, displaying a full-faced light every two
minutes, which, in clear weather, is distinctly visible at a distance of
ten leagues. The frame that is attached to the pivot on which the Argand
lamps is fixed is triangular, having seven brilliant lamps and powerful
reflectors on each side or face. The different lamps which illuminate by
night have behind them large brass reflectors, lined with silver, and
kept in a state of unsullied brilliance. The angles of the triangle,
being all acute, the light cannot be seen when any of them points towards
an object which is more than a league distant. This affords to mariners
the means of distinguishing it from the Skerries Light, distant from the
South Stack about nine miles. A moveable red light is also placed for
the use of the government packets.
The elevation of the summit of the rock on which the Lighthouse is
erected, is 140 feet above the level of the sea at high water mark; the
height of the tower, from the base to the gallery, is 60 feet, and the
lantern is 12 feet from the gallery, making the total elevation of the
light 212 feet above high water mark, and is visible over the whole of
Carnarvon Bay. The whole of this establishment was under the able
superintendence of Captain H. Evans, who first pointed out the necessity
of erecting a light on this spot, and whose name is imperishably
connected with Holyhead and its vicinity.
From the summit of the cliff, from which the island and Lighthouse appear
but diminutive objects, a zig-zag flight of steps, 365 in number, (as
many steps as there are days in the year) are cut in the side of the
mountain, secured by a parapet, so as to afford an easy descent to the
nearest part of the rock on a level with the island. The descent to the
suspension bridge, which spans the sound below, affords a variety of
interesting views. Each winding in the face of the rock gives a change
of scenery terrific and sublime. In the summer months the sea-fowl are
very numerous, thousands will be seen hovering round the huge rocks and
caverns of which the coast is composed, and contribute much to impress
the minds of visitors with a due sense of the grandeur and sublimity of
the scene. After a few turnings, and expressions of surprise, in
reference to the romantic scenery, the numerous birds wheeling in every
direction, and their plaintive cry—the bridge will be attained. Once
upon a time, before the suspended bridge was there, ferry-boats made an
occasional passage to the Light-house, but the rough seas caused by the
strong tides, about the Head, rendered the communication by boat very
precarious. In order to obviate the danger, a passage was contrived by
means of two ropes thrown across the gulf, along which the individual was
drawn in a box or cradle, five feet in length, by the assistance of
pullies affixed at each end, his body hanging down, and the bellowing
ocean raging below to swallow him, if the tackling did not hold him
secure. This plan was superseded by a bridge of ropes, which was used
some years after, and although considered perfectly safe and convenient,
was by no means agreeable to the affrighted Tourist, but it seldom
happened that it became an obstacle in the way of those who wished to
visit the Light-house. The present Suspension Bridge which connects the
South Stack rock with the Head, was formed in 1827. It is over a chasm
110 feet in width, and built on the same principle as the Menai Bridge,
two chain cables passing across, firmly fixed in the rocks on either
side, and carried over two massive stone pillars erected for the purpose.
The chain supports the platform of timber five feet wide, and 70 feet
above high-water mark. The crossing of the bridge to some will be a
little trying to the nerves. The thunders of the rolling flood below are
enough to make the heart tremble, particularly when the wind blows
briskly. The fairer portion of visitors, in virtue of the balloon-like
construction of their attire, will more particularly court the notice of
rude Boreas, and ere they can successfully battle with this bold and
ungallant deity, they must exercise their ingenuity, and reef sails as
well as circumstances will admit; they then, as boldly as any lord of the
creation, face the warring element, and arrive safely upon the opposite
crag.
Having reached the Light-house, and ascended its steep and rocky stairs,
the steps of which number 80, you may gaze, from the summit, on the
wilderness of waters around; observe the myriads of gulls and guillemots,
standing on the edge of the rocks, or flying about in all directions; see
the Telegraph, and gaze upon the ever-varying ocean, enlivened by
numerous vessels passing up or down the channel. On returning, a little
exertion will be required to scale the towering acclivity, but the labour
is not felt between the bracing effects of the atmosphere, and the
excitement. An occasional moment’s pause, for breathing purposes, will
afford the visitor a fine opportunity for inhaling the balmy and
invigorating air; and I would advise the visitor to draw long breaths for
the pleasure of it.
Previous to the erection of this Light-house, scores of vessels had, from
time to time, been on shore at the back of the Head, in many of which
instances all on board had perished; but since its erection it has been
the means of saving from destruction several valuable lives, and many
hundred thousand pounds’ worth of property.