|Course.
| |Granite Beds
| |and Joints
| |in superficial
| |feet.
| | |Sandstone
| | |Beds and
| | |Joints in
| | |sup. feet.
| | | |Granite
| | | |face-work
| | | |in superficial
| | | |feet.
| | | | |Sandstone
| | | | |face-work.
| | | | | |Sandstone
| | | | | |polish-work.
| | | | | | |Granite
| | | | | | |boring in
| | | | | | |lineal
| | | | | | |feet.
| | | | | | | |Sandstone
| | | | | | | |boring in
| | | | | | | |lineal
| | | | | | | |feet.
| | | | | | | | |Granite
| | | | | | | | |wedge
| | | | | | | | |grooves in
| | | | | | | | |lin. feet.
| | | | | | | | | |Sandstone
| | | | | | | | | |wedge
| | | | | | | | | |grooves in
| | | | | | | | | |lin. feet.
| | | | | | | | | | |Granite
| | | | | | | | | | |Lewis
| | | | | | | | | | |holes.
| | | | | | | | | | | |Sand-
stone
| | | | | | | | | | | |Lewis
| | | | | | | | | | | |holes.
+--+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ --+----+
|1 | | 500 | | | | | | | | | 18 |
|2 |1165 |3354 |132 | | |156 |264 |208 |170 | 2 | 71 |
|3 |2472 |3141 |275 | | |208 |325 |260 |421 | 2 | 84 |
|4 |1832 |2980 |265 | | |208 |325 |300 |300 | 2 | 71 |
|5 |1735 |2406 |220 | | |208 |251 |300 |204 | 2 | 54 |
|6 |1120 |2788 |196 | | |104 |316 |156 |349 | 6 | 71 |
|7 | 679 |2100 |159 | | | 69 |267 |138 |185 | 6 | 58 |
|8 | 613 |1858 |110 | | | 78 |184 |104 |164 | 6 | 45 |
|9 | 750 |1359 |113 | | | 82 |166 |113 |125 | 6 | 45 |
|10| 626 |1887 |111 | | | 87 |173 |112 |145 | 6 | 45 |
|11| 898 |1216 |114 | | | 91 |181 |130 |156 | 6 | 45 |
|12| 519 |1394 | 90 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|13| 522 |1157 | 87 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|14| 443 |1148 | 86 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|15| 539 | 997 | 84 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|16| 448 |1123 | 82 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|17| 484 |1093 | 80 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|18| 430 |1036 | 79 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 |
|19| 467 |1023 | 84 | | | 56 |134 | 74 |129 | 6 | 37 |
|20| 484 | 952 | 89 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 29 |
|21| 513 | 872 | 87 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 29 |
|22| 319 | 981 | 82 | | | 53 |113 | 76 |118 | 6 | 29 |
|23| 464 | 829 | 78 | | | 53 |113 | 76 |118 | 6 | 29 |
|24| 361 | 926 | 88 | | | 59 |107 | 83 |111 | 6 | 29 |
|25| 388 | 802 | 77 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 29 |
|26| 370 | 818 | 76 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 39 |
|27| |1017 | | 70 | 36 | |130 | | 78 | | 38 |
|28| | 943 | | 62 | 31 | | 99 | | 58 | | 33 |
|29| | 956 | | 61 | 31 | | 81 | | 61 | | 26 |
|30| | 785 | | 61 | 30 | | 78 | | 54 | | 26 |
|31| | 754 | | 60 | 30 | | 75 | | 68 | | 25 |
|32| | 762 | | 70 | 35 | | 87 | | 80 | | 26 |
|33| | 868 | | 73 | 47 | | 98 | | 97 | | 28 |
|34| | 908 | | 68 | 23 | |100 | | 93 | | 30 |
|35| |1022 | | 68 | 23 | |106 | | 93 | | 32 |
|36| | 854 | | 64 | 21 | |106 | | 86 | | 32 |
|37| | 782 | | 71 | 25 | |112 | |100 | | 32 |
|38| | 502 | | 70 |111 | | 24 | | | | |
|39| | 421 | | 56 | 37 | | 16 | | | | |
|40| | 417 | | 56 | 37 | | 16 | | | | |
|41| | 391 | | 55 | 37 | | 14 | | | | |
|42| | 372 | | 60 | 44 | | 14 | | | | |
|43| | 383 | | 60 | 44 | | | | | | 16 |
|44| | 409 | | 59 | 40 | | | | | | 16 |
|45| | 395 | | 59 | 40 | | | | | | 16 |
|46| | 388 | | 58 | 40 | | | | | | 16 |
|47| | 685 | | 67 |231 | | | | 80 | | 18 |
|48| | 361 | | 54 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|49| | 352 | | 54 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|50| | 335 | | 54 | 52 | | | | | | 14 |
|51| | 322 | | 64 | 44 | | | | | | 14 |
|52| | 315 | | 64 | 44 | | | | | | 16 |
|53| | 335 | | 58 | 49 | | | | | | 16 |
|54| | 339 | | 58 | 41 | | | | | | 16 |
|55| | 318 | | 54 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|56| | 672 | | 65 |231 | | | | 80 | | 18 |
|57| | 320 | | 51 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|58| | 318 | | 51 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|59| | 301 | | 51 | 48 | | | | | | 14 |
|60| | 250 | | 60 | 41 | | | | | | 14 |
|61| | 273 | | 60 | 41 | | | | | | 16 |
|62| | 298 | | 55 | 49 | | | | | | 16 |
|63| | 294 | | 51 | 41 | | | | | | 16 |
|64| | 294 | | 51 | 41 | | | | | | 16 |
|65| | 645 | | 55 |231 | | | | 80 | | 18 |
|66| | 277 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|67| | 274 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|68| | 250 | | 53 | 57 | | | | | | 16 |
|69| | 192 | | 43 | 61 | | | | | | 12 |
|70| | 198 | | 43 | 61 | | | | | | 16 |
|71| | 282 | | 57 | 44 | | | | | | 16 |
|72| | 259 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|73| | 254 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 |
|74| | 645 | | 51 |247 | | | | 80 | | 18 |
|75| | 209 | | 45 | 45 | | | | | | 16 |
|76| | 247 | | 53 | 41 | | | | | | 16 |
|77| | 226 | | 57 | 52 | | | | | | 16 |
|78| | 165 | | 54 | 61 | | | | | | 12 |
|79| | 221 | | 54 | 61 | | | | | | 12 |
|80| | 225 | | 52 | 49 | | | | | | 12 |
|81| | 368 | | | 49 | 38 | | | | | 16 |
|82| | 679 | | |115 | | | | | | 16 |
|83| | 846 | | |160 | | | | | | 16 |
|84| | 671 | | |148 | | | | | | 16 |
|85| | 165 | | |399 | | | | | | 16 |
|86| | 157 | | | 92 | | | | | | 8 |
|87| | 147 | | | 91 | | | | | | 8 |
|88| | 138 | | | 90 | | | | | | 8 |
|89| | 129 | | | 89 | | | | | | 8 |
|90| | 120 | | | 88 | | | | | | 8 |
+--+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---+----+
|A |18641|66440|2944|3145|4377|2093|5306|2933|5179|594|2240|
+--+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---+----+
No. VII.
ABSTRACT-ACCOUNT OF THE EXPENCE OF ERECTING THE BELL-ROCK
LIGHT-HOUSE, AND OF EXECUTING THE ULTERIOR WORKS CONNECTED WITH THAT
ESTABLISHMENT.
WAGES AND PREMIUMS.
Wages of artificers while off at the Bell Rock, and in
the work-yards at Arbroath and Edinburgh, where the
stones were cut and prepared in regular courses, L.11,980 15 8
Premiums to artificers for Sundays’ work and extra hours
upon the Rock, and in the Work-yard at Arbroath, 998 14 9
Premiums to seamen, including Sundays’ work at the Bell
Rock, 473 5 6
_Note._--Masons and smiths were paid at the rate of 3s.
4d.,--mill-wrights 3s. 6d.,--joiners 3s., and labourers
at from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 8d. per day; besides lodgings
ashore, and victuals while afloat.--The premiums paid to
artificers were at the rate of 6d. per hour for extra
time; eight hours constituting a day’s work at the
Rock.--The seamen were paid at the same rate on Sundays
as on week days.
_Amount for wages and premiums to artificers, and
including premiums to seamen,_ ---- L. 13,452 15 11
BUILDING MATERIALS.
35,952 cubic feet of Sandstone from Mylnefield quarry,
dressed to the quarry-moulds, and put on ship-board, L. 3,412 18 5
Extra dressing in reducing the courses to regular
thicknesses at Mylnfield, 667 2 8
1700 cubic feet of sandstone from Craigleith Quarry for
the cornice and parapet wall of the Light-room, 200 0 10
13,964 cubic feet of granite from Rubieslaw and other
quarries at Aberdeen, and from Cairngall near Peterhead, 1,979 1 4
Extra dressing in reducing the granite stones to the
quarry-moulds, and to regular thicknesses, to suit the
respective courses, including cartage and charges of
shipping, 1,291 7 2½
40 Tons of Pozzolano-earth in casks, 398 3 4
60 Tons of Aberthaw-limestone, including freight from
South Wales, 78 14 2
100 Bushels Parker’s or Roman cement, including casks and
shipping charges, 43 12 0
6 Tons of Tarras, including casks and shipping charges, 52 19 10
Casks for carrying lime and sand from the workyard to the
Bell Rock, 38 3 3
4824 oaken trenails, from 21 to 24 inches and 6195 oaken
wedges, from 12 to 18 inches in length, 216 1 6
_Note._--The quarry price of Sandstone varied from 1s. to
2s. 9d., and Granite from 1s. 3d. to 5s. per cubic foot.
Pozzolano from L. 6 to L. 14 per ton. Tarras from L. 6,
10s. to L. 11 per ton. Limestone was 1s. per ton. Cement
varied from 5s. to 6s. 6d. per bushel; oaken trenails
from L. 1 to L. 5 per hundred, and wedges were L. 1: 6: 6
per hundred.
_Amount for Building Materials_, ---- 8,378 4 1½
IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY FOR THE WORKS, INCLUDING
BEACON-HOUSE, CAST-IRON RAILWAYS, &c. &c. (SEE PLATES
VIII., IX., X., XIV., XVII., AND XVIII.)
4662 cubic feet of Memel and Swedish timber, and 480
Petersburgh deals for the use of the Beacon-house,
cast-iron Railways and wharfs upon the Bell Rock, and for
making moulds for the stone-cutters, L. 1,436 19 7
69 tons 9 cwt. of cast-iron for Railways, 812 15 11
25,893 lb. malleable iron in stanchions, bats, knees,
stays, bracing-chains, screw and spear bolts, including
other apparatus for the use of the Beacon-house and
Railways, 1,244 3 7
19 Tons 13 cwt. 2 qrs. 3 lb. cast-iron, 14,002 lb.
malleable iron, and 505 lb. of brass for cranes,
winch-machines, and other apparatus, 1,191 14 7½
Cordage for cranes, &c. 409 1 0
Two large Sling or Woolwich-carts, for conveying large
blocks of stone, fitted up with wheel and pinion-work for
slinging or lifting the stones off the ground, 150 3 6
15,446 lb. quarry and stone-cutters’ tools; 11,934 lb.
malleable iron, and 771 lb. steel, used in the work-yard;
exclusively of tools, nails, and other furnishings
connected with joiners’ and smiths’ shops; but including
stone-jacks and common carts used in work-yard, &c. &c., 1,567 10 1½
_Note._--The price of fir-timber varied from 3s. to 5s.
6d. per cubic foot; cast-iron from L. 10, 10s. to L.
23:6:8 per ton; chains and axles, &c. 6½d. to 1s. per
lb.; quarry and stone-cutters tools from 6d. to 10d. per
lb.; Swedish and British bar-iron from L. 21 to L. 29 per
ton. Steel was 7d. per lb., and brass 1s. 10d. per lb.
_Amount for Machinery, &c._ ---- 6,812 8 4
SHIPPING.
Price of the hull of a Prussian fishing-dogger, L. 250 0 2
Carpenter-work, altering and fitting up the dogger as the
Pharos Floating-light, 1,397 12 8
Two sets of chains, with mushroom anchors, spare shackles
and swivels, &c., for mooring her off the Bell Rock, the
whole weighing about 13,083 lb. of malleable, and 3200
lb. of cast-iron, 462 9 4
Outfit in hempen cables, sails and rigging, including
11 tons cast-iron, ballast, ship-hearth, cabin-stoves,
alarm-bell, &c., 1,664 2 3
Three large copper lanterns, glazed with plate glass, (so
constructed, that the ship’s masts passed through them),
fitted with brass chandeliers for 60 agitable-lamps, each
having a small silvered-copper reflector, 397 1 2½
Freight of a vessel, and expence of laying down the
moorings for the Floating-light, 81 5 6
Wear and tear of the Floating-light riding off the Bell
Rock, from July 1807 till February 1811, 1,059 11 5½
Advertising the mooring and exhibition of the
Floating-light, generally, in the Newspapers of the
United Kingdom, 227 18 9
Victualling the crew of the Floating-light, including
occasional subsisting money and board-wages while ashore, 1,149 18 7
Pay of the master, mate, principal and assistant
light-keepers, and seven seamen, from 1807 to March 1811, 1,632 12 8
---- 8,322 12 5
First Cost and Outfit of the Sir Joseph Banks Tender of
84 tons register, the Sloop Smeaton of 42 tons, the Sloop
Patriot of 46 tons, and of four Stone Lighters of about
15 tons each, including wear and tear during the progress
of the works, L. 5,436 9 7½
Bedding for seamen and artificers during the progress of
the works, 349 7 2
Victualling seamen and artificers afloat, including
occasional subsisting money for seamen while ashore,
2,930 12 7½
Pay of the masters, mates, and seamen of the respective
vessels, 2,434 2 2
Freight of hired vessels bringing stone from Mylnefield,
Aberdeen, and Peterhead quarries, and timber and
cast-iron from Leith and other ports to Arbroath, 930 17 11
Port charges and sailing disbursements of the several
vessels, 358 8 4½
Insurance of Shipping, effected only for a limited
period, 647 12 6
14 Mushroom Anchors, weighing 13 tons 7 cwts. 0 qrs. 10
lb. of cast-iron, 235 15 8
28,456 lb. malleable iron, in mooring-chains, shanks of
mushroom-anchors, spare swivels and shackles, 891 11 2
16 Large mooring buoys of coopers’ work, and one of
carpenters’ work, 456 19 2
_Note._--Pay of the masters of the respective vessels in
the service was from L. 5 to L. 6, 6s., mates from L. 4
to L. 5, 5s., principal light-keeper L. 5, 5s., assistant
light-keeper L. 3, 15s., seamen from L. 2, 10s. to L. 3,
15s. per month. Officers’ occasional subsisting money
2s., and seamens’ 1s. 8d. per day.
The price of the hulls of the vessels were from L. 9,
15s. to L. 10 per ton, and cordage from L. 77 to L. 130
per ton; cordage subject to a discount of 7½ per
cent.; other articles generally to 5 per cent.
_Amount for shipping_, ---- 14,671 16 4½
LIGHT-ROOM, &c. (See Plates XVI. and XX.)
Lantern or Light-room with tinned copper roof, 8
cast-iron sashes, 8 feet in height, glazed with
48 squares of plate-glass, measuring 13½ by
26¾ inches. Malleable iron stays, copper rings,
flag-staff, and signal-ball, &c. L. 1,135 1 11
24 Reflectors raised to the parabolic-curve, made
from copper plated, in the proportion of 6 oz.
of silver to each lb. of copper; arranged upon
a malleable iron chandelier, furnished with
brass fountains, and argand burners, including
a train of Revolving-machinery, and two
alarm-bells, set upon tripods on the balcony, &c. 1,287 17 2
Balcony-railing of cast-iron, with brass supports
and top-rail; and a conductor or thunder-rod
extending, from the Light-room to the Rock, 216 0 3
_Amount of Light-room, &c._ ---- 2,638 19 4
ULTERIOR WORKS, &c. (See Plate XII.)
Finishing and Completing the interior of the
Light-house, with wainscot partitions,--doors,--
trap-ladders,--furniture of oaken-timber
for the several apartments,--kitchen range
with cast-iron chimney,--tinned-copper oil
cisterns--brass and copper bolts and hinges for
doors,--window-shutters,--brasslocks,--brass hand-rails
for inside stairs,--water-cisterns, and coal magazines,
&c. L. 1,489 16 6
Erecting permanent Railways upon the Bell Rock,
improving the wharfs or landing places, and removing the
Beacon-house, 1,338 16 6
Houses erected for the families of the light-keepers and
seamen of the Tender, signal-tower, store-houses, and
sea-wall, at Arbroath, 4,500 8 3
The price of about 1½ acre of ground for a garden,
trenching, and enclosing it for the use of the
light-keepers, and seamen, and their families, 1,158 18 10
The price of a pew of 14 sittings in the parish-church
of Arbroath, for the use of the Light-keepers and their
families, 52 10 0
_Note._--Wainscot 7s. 6d. per foot, brass 1s. 8d. to 2s.
per lb.
_Amount for Ulterior Works_, ---- 8,540 10 1
INCIDENTS.
Expence of Act of Parliament, L. 548 8 0
Travelling charges connected with the work, 312 14 7
Incidental charges for stamps and postages, including
letters for artificers afloat, salary for Engineer’s
clerk, &c. 882 5 1
Advertising the exhibition of the Light upon the Bell
Rock, and the discontinuance of the Floating-light, on
the 1st of February 1811, 219 10 3
The cost-price of the artificers barracks, platform of
aisler-masonry for fitting the courses before shipping
them to the Rock,--engineer’s office,--smith and joiner’s
shops,--store-house and stable, estimated at 1,255 5 6
Rent of the work-yard, and compensation to the landlord
for taking it off the hands of the Commissioners before
the expiry of the lease, 174 19 6
Price, hire, and keep of work-horses, 593 5 11½
481 tons coals, used in the artificers’ barracks,
smith’s-shop, lime-kiln in the work-yard, and at the
beacon-house, &c. 347 4 2
Shore-dues upon materials for the Light-house, and other
articles during the progress of the works, 270 9 6
57½ dozen of flambeaux, for night-work at the Bell
Rock, 32 9 6
Stationery and books for Engineer’s office, and shipping, 134 10 8½
One five feet Achromatic-telescope with brass-stand,
steadying-rods, two eye-tubes, a mahogany-stand with
night-glass for signal-room, 35 1 0
Pension, and Sick lists for wages of artificers and
seamen when off work, medical attendance, &c. 925 12 2
Superintendence of engineers, and plans, including L. 300
to Captain Brodie, 4,858 13 5
Interest upon L. 25,000 of Government loan, up to March
1810, 3,446 11 5
Treasury fees for Exchequer bonds, &c. 235 10 4
_Note._--Price of coal 13s. 4d. to 19s. per ton. Oats
from 20s. to 23s. per boll. Hay from 10½d. to 1s. 3d.
per stone of 22 lb.
_Amount for Incidents_ ---- 14,272 11 1
Amount of gross expenditure in erecting the Light-house,
including Ulterior Works, L. 77,089 17 8
[Sidenote: Gross Expenditure.]
[Sidenote: Deductions.]
DEDUCTIONS.
For workmens’ barracks, implements, machinery, shipping
and old materials, disposed of by public sale, or
transferred to the Northern Light-houses for the general
service of the Board, at the conclusion of the works.
By the price of the workmens’ barracks, storehouses and
offices in the work-yard at Arbroath, L. 700 0 0
By old gable-walls, lime-house, and sundries in workyard,
and engineer’s office, 52 8 2
By the price of three work horses and carts sold at
different times, 86 0 0
By fulzie of stable and work-yard, 21 17 0
By stone-shivers sold by public sale at different times,
including 232 cart loads for the use of the Roads in the
vicinity of Arbroath, 48 4 6
By artificers’ time three weeks at Mylnefield, deducted
from Quarry Account, 42 0 0
By two large Woolwich-carts, 55 0 0
By sundries, sold in the work-yard, by public sale, at
the conclusion of the work, 121 16 5
By the price of two cast-iron cranes, in use upon
the quays at Aberdeen and Arbroath, and a small
boring-machine used in the work-yard, 273 3 0
By broken cast-iron railways, 97 19 0
By the price of drift timber recovered, 6 10 0
By a stone-waggon and quarry-tools, sold at Aberdeen, 15 13 0
By old brass and bell-metal, 12 16 9
By scrap-iron from the smith’s shop, 6 10 8
By sale of old timber, and the soil taken off the site of
the light-keepers houses at Arbroath, 15 3 11
By the price of the Sir Joseph Banks Tender, 1,510 0 0
By the price of the Patriot, 400 0 0
By the price of an old boat and mast belonging to the
Patriot, 12 0 0
By cash, in name of damages, in consequence of sap-wood
in the Patriot’s hull, 80 0 0
By the amount of sales of sundry stores, 406 0 0
By the price of three praam-boats or stone-lighters, 193 0 0
By the price of the wreck of an old stone-lighter and
boat, 10 10 0
By retaining-money paid during the winter months, to one
of the seamen who left the service, 1 11 6
By interest upon the engineer’s deposit-account with the
Dundee Banking Company at Arbroath, from the commencement
till the conclusion of the works, 26 5 7
By return-freight of the sloop Smeaton, from Aberdeen to
Arbroath, 18 18 0
By shipping, boats, machinery, implements, stores, and
moorings, transferred to the general service of the
Northern Light-houses, 3,222 8 7
By the nett cost and maintenance of the Floating-light
deducted, as belonging to the general service of the
Northern Light-houses, L. 7,901 10 7
By the price of the vessel and her stores when sold, 421 1 10
---- 8,322 12 5
---- 15,758 8 6
Nett cost of the Bell Rock Light-house, and Ulterior
Works connected with that establishment, L. 61,331 9 2
===============
[Sidenote: Nett Cost.]
Extracted by
LACHLAN KENNEDY, Engineer’s Clerk.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: Average Price of Provisions.]
_Average Price of Provisions during the Period of the Bell Rock Works._
Beef 6d. per lb. of 17½ oz. avoirdupois.
Ship-biscuit L. 1, 9s. per cwt.
Quartern Loaf 13½d. per loaf, of 4 lb. 5½ oz.
Oat-meal L. 1, 11s. per boll, of 140 lb.
Barley 2½d. per lb. of 17½ oz.
Butter 1s. 8d. per lb. of 24 oz.
Salt 10s. per bushel, of 56 lb.
Whisky 11s. per gallon.
Small Beer 1s. 10d. per Scots gallon, of 8 Scots points.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATES.
DESCRIPTION of the PLATES, as they are mentioned in the Work.
PLATE I.
INCHKEITH LIGHT-HOUSE.
[Illustration:
_INCH KEITH LIGHT HOUSE._
_Drawn by W. Lorimer_
_PLATE I._]
The Light-house of Inchkeith, delineated on Plate I. was erected
while Mr THOMAS SMITH, the writer’s predecessor, held the situation
of Engineer for the Northern Light-houses. A plan of it is given, as
having been the first of these establishments erected upon the new
principle; the Reflectors being illuminated with Argand-burners; the
Light-room rendered completely fire-proof; and the Dwelling-house
fitted for the accommodation of two keepers. But as this establishment
is described in the introductory chapter, at page 24, and the names of
the several apartments are marked upon the Plate, it seems unnecessary
here to enter into detail.
PLATE II.
CARR ROCK BEACON.
[Illustration:
_CARR ROCK BEACON AS DESIGNED IN THE YEAR 1810._
_CARR ROCK BEACON AS EXECUTED IN THE YEAR 1821._
_Drawn by J. Slight_
_Eng^d. by E. Mitchell_
_PLATE II._]
[Sidenote: Pl. II.]
The Carr Rock Beacon is represented in Plate II. and referred to in the
introduction at page 53. The diagram marked Figure 1. is an outline
of the rock, shewing the position of the beacon, and plan of the
first course of the building, made to a radius of nine feet, cut in a
dove-tailed form, after the manner of the courses of the Edystone and
Bell Rock Light-houses.
Figure 2. is a section of the rock on the line A, B, Fig. 1. with
a perpendicular section also of a tower of masonry and apparatus,
for tolling an alarm-bell, which was originally intended for this
situation. In Fig. 2. letter _a_ represents an aperture measuring 3
inches in diameter, which was perforated with much labour and care
through a block of granite 7 feet in length, previously to its being
laid. This canal was intended to admit the tidal-waters into the
interior chamber of the building marked _b_, in which the flood-tide
was to act upon an air-tight copper-tank, marked _c_, and its rod of
connection formed into a rack with teeth, by which motion was to be
given to a train of machinery, represented at _d_ in the void of the
building. The machine was to act on the vertical shaft _e_, connected
with a series of hammers _f_, placed under the great bell _g_, which
was to have measured 5 feet in diameter, and become the cupola or
roof of the building. In this manner the bell was to be tolled to
forewarn the mariner of his approach to the dangers of the Carr, and
the other extensive ledges of sunken rocks in its neighbourhood. By
the rise of the flood-tide, and consequent admission of the waters
into the canal _a_, the tank _c_, with its connecting rod, not only
lifted the bell-hammers _f_, and, at the same time, also elevated the
weight marked _h_, which, in its descent during ebb-tide, was to have
continued the motion of the machinery; and thus, by the alternate
operation of the tides, the continual tolling of the Bell was to have
been preserved.
It will further be seen from the section of this building, that
the masonry of the solid is connected perpendicularly by means of
stone-joggles inserted half into the one course and half into the
other. But in the void or upper part, instead of the joggles, the
bed-joints of the stones were let or sunk about an inch in depth, into
each other, as at the Bell Rock, forming so many bands or girths to the
work. This will be observed by narrowly examining the section at letter
_i_, with its accompanying diagram Fig. 3., which represents a plan of
one of the courses of the void, shewing how the stones were connected
horizontally by a system of dove-tailing, as is further represented in
Fig. 4., being a plan of a course at the level _a_, _k_, in which the
perforation is delineated for the admission of the tidal-waters.
The ascent to this building was to have been by means of a ladder
of cast-iron or flight of steps, marked _a_, _i_, _l_, fixed on the
outward wall by means of screw-bolts fixed into brass-bats, sunk into
the masonry, and run up with lead. The entrance-door of this building
was formed in the cast-iron frame or pedestal on which the great bell
was to have been supported, the access to the interior being by the
balcony, round which a cast-iron rail was intended, not only for the
safety of the keepers or occasional attendants, but also, in some
measure, to defend the bell from the sprays of the sea.
Figure 5. represents the Pillar-formed Beacon, as finished at the
Carr Rock in the year 1821. The lower part of this diagram is a
perpendicular section of the rock on the line A B, Fig. 1. The masonry
is also shewn with two of the six great malleable iron-bats or
stancheons marked _a_ in Fig. 5., which passing through the several
courses, are sunk about 30 inches into the Rock. The upper part of
this diagram represents a frame of cast-iron work, of great strength,
fashioned somewhat after the manner of what seamen term a _spar_ or
_spur beacon_, from being made generally of timber, set up in the
form of struts or spur-beams. The connection of this frame will be
understood from the detached diagram Fig. 6., taken upon the line or
level marked _b_ in Fig. 5. From Figs. 5. and 6. it will be observed,
that the beacon consists of 6 pipes or hollow tubes, marked letter A,
which are inserted into the sockets _c_, in the sill-plate of Fig. 6,
into which these hollow tubes are strongly wedged and keyed with culter
or spear bolts, which pass through each of the sockets and base of the
hollow tubes at _c_. Besides the main hollow tubes marked A, other six
marked B, are set up as spurs or diagonals, which radiate from sockets
cast in the centre of the sill-plate marked _e_. These diagonals are
so situated, and connected by dove-tail or hook-joints, that they
butt against the main tubes, and support them at _f_. The main tubes
are further connected by means of horizontal bars of malleable iron,
marked _g_ in Fig. 5, laid into grooves formed in the arms of the
cast-iron collars F, _k_, which clasp around the main tubes at these
points, immediately above and below their connection with the diagonal
tubes. These collars are also keyed with the main tubes by means of
spear-bolts. At the point of junction _d d_, towards the top, the main
tubes form segments of a common circle, and rest upon the centre block
_h_, into which they are keyed and wedged. As a further security, a
strong cast-iron tubular formed case, marked _i i_, is made to clasp
around the whole upper parts of the main tubes at their point of
junction _d d_, so as to form a girth to them. This tubular case or cap
_i i_, is 8 feet in length, and terminates with a cast-iron ball marked
_m m_, which is 3½ feet in diameter, formed into ribs, connected
with the cap _i i_, by means of a socket, through which a spear-bolt
passes, and binds it to the top of the tubular-case at the point _l_.
Fig. 6. represents the Ballast-plate, which forms the sill or basement
of the superstructure. It contains about 8 tons of cast-iron, and is
so constructed as to become a cap or girth to the upper course of the
masonry which it is calculated to secure, by means of a flange of 6
inches in depth at the outward extremity, marked _b b_ in Fig. 5, where
it is let into the stone. This plate is cast in six pieces, connected
together at the points _m m m m m m_, by means of screw-bolts of one
and a half inch in diameter (with nuts), passing through flanges raised
at the joints of its several compartments. At the points _n n n n n n_,
there were six socket-holes, for the reception of the great stancheons
or bolts, marked _a a_, Fig. 5, which, passing through the masonry,
are sunk 30 inches into the Rock, where they are fixed at the lower
ends with iron-wedges, driven home by means of a long iron-driver.
The ballast-plate is connected with the upper ends of these great
stancheons, by means of a shackle and bolt, in such a manner that the
more exposed parts may be renewed. The whole is imbedded and run up
with pozzolano-mortar, so as to preserve the several parts as much as
possible from the effects of oxidation.
Fig. 7. represents a horizontal section of this beacon, on the line
F F, shewing the connection of the horizontal malleable iron-bars
or braces _g g g g_, which fit into the grooves of the arms of the
collars, embracing the hollow tubes or pillars A A A A, and connecting
them by means of spear-bolts at _k k k k_. The grooves in these arms
are so formed as to command the braces, and to contain a quantity of
Parker’s or Roman cement, by which the bolts are preserved from the
effects of oxidation. These collars and arms, with their connecting
malleable iron-bars, form a girth immediately above the diagonal
struts or braces B B B, Fig. 5. A similar chain of connection is in
like manner formed below the junction of these diagonal struts, with
the main tubes, which, like those described above, has the effect of
binding the whole fabric horizontally.
Fig. 8. is a horizontal section upon the line _d d_, delineated upon
a scale of double the size of the other parts of the beacon, shewing
the connection of the hollow tubes A A A A A A, at the top, where they
change their cylindrical form into segments of a circle at the point
of contact, so as to embrace the centre-block _h h_. The top of these
tubes thus formed into a compact figure, is cased or covered with the
cylindrical cap _i i_, through which the spear-bolts immediately above
and below the points _d d_, in Fig. 5, are made to pass and bind the
whole firmly together.
PLATE III.
GENERAL CHART, SHEWING THE RELATIVE POSITION OF THE BELL ROCK.
[Illustration:
_CHART
shewing the relative situation
of the
BELL ROCK LIGHT HOUSE._
_Drawn by J. Steedman_
_Eng^d. by W. H. Lizars_
_Plate III._]
[Sidenote: Pl. III.]
This Plate is reduced from a manuscript-map in the possession of
the writer, which is drawn upon a large scale, originally intended
for exhibiting the depths of the German Ocean or North Sea, and the
situations of the numerous Light-houses on the coasts of the United
Kingdom, and opposite Continent, but is here given with the view of
shewing the relative position of the Bell Rock.
The chief peculiarity of this map is the sectional lines, exhibiting at
one view the relative depths of the ocean, in connection with a theory
which the writer has advanced, regarding the wasting of the firm ground
by the effects of the sea, as alluded to in Appendix V. These sectional
lines, of a deeper shade, are drawn across the German Ocean, from shore
to shore. As, for example, between Shetland and Norway, the greatest
depth is ascertained to be about 140 fathoms, and so of other examples,
extending southward as far as the Straits of Dover. The soundings are
all marked in fathoms, and, in so far as regards the east coast of
Scotland, have been very generally made from on board of the vessels
belonging to the service of the Northern Lights. The forms given to
the principal sand-banks, and the soundings in the central and eastern
parts of this great basin, have been taken from the best maritime
surveys, and nautical authorities. The numerous Light-houses on the
respective coasts are coloured; those of Scotland being blue, England
red, Ireland green, and the foreign Lights yellow.
PLATE IV.
CHART, SHEWING THE PARTICULAR POSITION OF THE BELL ROCK.
[Illustration:
_CHART
Shewing the Position_
of the
_BELL ROCK LIGHTHOUSE_
relatively to the Coasts of
_FIFE and FORFAR SHIRES._
_Drawn by A. Stevenson_
_Eng^d. by W. H. Lizars_
_PLATE IV._]
[Sidenote: Pl. IV.]
This chart is intended to shew the position of the Rock in reference
to the opposite shores of Fife and Forfar, and to the entrances to the
Friths of Forth and Tay. The most contiguous point of land, being in
the immediate neighbourhood of Aberbrothwick, is distant about 11¾
miles. This chart also exhibits the depths of water, and the nature of
the bottom, in the vicinity of the Rock.
PLATE V.
CHART OF THE BELL ROCK, SHEWING ITS POSITION RELATIVELY TO THE SHIPPING
EMPLOYED AT THE WORK.
[Illustration:
_BELL ROCK
Shewing the relative position
of the
SHIPPING EMPLOYED_
at the
_WORKS_
_Drawn by J. Steedman_
_Eng^d. by W. H. Lizars_
_PLATE V._]
[Sidenote: Pl. V.]
This Plate represents the Rock at low-water of spring-tides, when that
part of it which extends about 1000 feet in a south-western direction
from the Light-house, may be traced by the appearance of some detached
portions of rock, but chiefly from the sea-weeds which float at the
surface of the water. Its greatest extent, in a north-eastern and
south-western direction, is about 1400 feet, and in a south-eastern and
a north-western direction about 240 feet.
KING GEORGE III.--This is an insulated rock which lies towards the
south-eastern extremity of the Main or House Rock, and has been named
in reference to the reign in which the Light-house was erected.
KING JAMES V.--is also a detached rock, forming the south-western
extremity of the reef, which extends from the House-rock, and is named
in reference to that Monarch’s memorable voyage round his dominions,
about the year 1540, as alluded to in the Introduction, at page 4.
On the north-western side of the Rock, as nearly as may be, the figures
of the respective vessels employed at the work are delineated, and the
positions of their moorings laid down; with the exception of those of
the Pharos Floating-light, whose bearing or direction is only to be
understood, as the full distance at which she was ultimately moored
would fall beyond the limits of the Plate. The house-part of the Rock
is left bare at low-water of ordinary spring-tides, and at high-water
of these tides it is from 10 to 12 feet under water; but during the
storms of winter, the sea generally breaks over the whole surface of
the rock, so as to render walking upon it impracticable, even in the
lowest ebbs; while at high water, the sprays fly over the building, or
rise to a height of upwards of 100 feet. The reef, which extends in a
south-western direction from the House-rock, contains many Travellers
or large boulder-stones; affording a proof that the Bell Rock has at
one time been of greater dimensions than at present, and these detached
stones may be regarded as part of the debris, which have been separated
in the lapse of ages from the main Rock.
PLATE VI.
PLAN OF THE NORTH EASTERN PARTS OF THE BELL ROCK, SHEWING THE POSITION
OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE, RAILWAYS, AND WHARFS, &c.
[Illustration:
_NORTH EASTERN PARTS OF THE BELL ROCK SHEWING THE POSITION OF THE LIGHT
HOUSE, RAILWAYS, WHARFS, &C._
_Drawn by G. C. Scott_
_Eng^d. by E. Mitchell_
_PLATE VI._]
[Sidenote: Pl. VI.]
The description of this Plate, representing the higher parts of
the Rock as seen at low-water of spring-tides, affords the writer
an opportunity of mentioning many distinguished names connected
either officially, or in a friendly manner, with the erection of the
Light-house. In corresponding about the state of the Rock, he has often
found the advantage of this particular nomenclature of its different
parts, as affording a reference to all its localities.
SITE OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE, AND RAILWAY-TRACKS.--The site of the
Light-house, which will be seen from the Plate, was fixed by the writer
in a central position of what may be termed the House-Rock. From this,
as a centre, the Railways ramify in various directions. Upon these the
materials for the erection of the house were conveyed, and they are
still partly preserved, as convenient foot-paths and wharfs, in landing
stores for the Light-house. The portions of the Railway-tracks marked
with light dotted lines, were only used during the continuation of the
works; while those of a deeper shade represent the permanent railways.
SITE OF CAPTAIN BRODIE’S BEACON.--The late Captain Joseph Brodie,
of the Royal Navy, was perhaps not less known to the public as the
fortunate bearer of Lord Duncan’s dispatches announcing the victory
obtained by the British fleet off Camperdown, than for his unwearied
exertions in keeping up the interest of the public, relative to the
important results to navigation which would attend the erection of a
Light-house upon the Bell Rock, of which notice is taken at page 88.
SITE OF MR STEVENSON’S BEACON.--The position of the Beacon or temporary
erection delineated in Plate VIII., was fixed upon the southern side
of the site of the Light-house, with the ultimate view of obtaining
shelter from the breach of the north-east seas. It was farther
important, for the conveniency it afforded of a communication during
the progress of the works, by means of a wooden bridge, which will be
understood by examining Plate XVIII.
HALDANE’S LEDGE--is situate on the south-eastern side of the Rock,
where the writer made his first landing with his friend Mr James
Haldane, architect, as noticed at page 91.
GRAY’S ROCK.--Toward the eastern side of the Rock, there is a small
outlier, or reef, important as a low-water-mark, which is named Gray’s
Rock, in compliment to the late Mr John Gray, Writer to the Signet,
and the first Secretary to the Light-house Board, as noticed in the
Introduction, page 5.
SMITH’S ROCK,--situate on the eastern side of the Light-house,
derives its name from the late Mr Thomas Smith, who introduced
Reflecting-Lights upon the coast of Scotland; and was the first
Engineer to the Board, as noticed at page 7.
CUNINGHAM’S LEDGE.--This ledge of rock has its name from Mr Charles
Cuningham, Writer to the Signet, and successor to Mr Gray, as Secretary
and Cashier to the Light-house Board.
PORT HAMILTON.--This creek is situate at the south-eastern extremity
of the House-rock, and derives its name from Mr Robert Hamilton,
Sheriff of Lanarkshire, and _ex officio_ one of the Commissioners of
the Northern Light-houses; who first landed here in the year 1805,
accompanied by Mr Rennie and the writer, with a view further to
ascertain the practicability of erecting the proposed Light-house, as
noticed at page 95. Mr Hamilton has been a zealous member of the Bell
Rock Committee since the period of its institution in the year 1807,
and, from his literary habits, he has taken much interest in the pages
of this work.
PORT RENNIE--is situate in the north-eastern part of the House-rock,
and derives its name from the late Mr John Rennie, the celebrity and
extent of whose works as a Civil Engineer are well known to the public.
Mr Rennie was consulted by the Light-house Board relative to this work.
His reports will be found in Appendix, No. IV.; and his plan in Plate
VII.
PORT STEVENSON--enters from the north-eastern side of the Rock, and
forms the principal landing-place in that direction; it was named for
the writer by Mr Hamilton, at the landing above alluded to, in the year
1805.
THE ABBOT’S LEDGE--forms the north-western extremity of the House-rock,
and derives its name from a tradition (for we can find no authentic
record) of one of the Abbots of Aberbrothwick having erected an
Alarm-bell, to forewarn mariners of their danger in approaching the
Bell Rock.
SIR RALPH THE ROVER’S LEDGE--forms the south-western extremity of
the House-rock, and takes the name of Sir Ralph the Rover from a
noted pirate who is said to have landed upon it, and carried away the
Alarm-bell. This traditionary story is beautifully alluded to in a
ballad by Mr Southey in his Minor Poems, which, with his permission, is
included in Appendix, No. II. page 438.
DUNNICHEN LEDGE,--on the north-western side of the Rock, is named
in compliment to Mr Dempster of Dunnichen, who is mentioned in the
Introduction, page 5.
DUNSKEY LEDGE,--which is contiguous to the former, is named in
compliment to Sir James Hunter Blair of Dunskey, first Preses of the
Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, as mentioned at page 6.
ARNISTON LEDGE.--Named in compliment to the late Lord Chief-Baron
Dundas of Arniston, who, while Solicitor-General and Lord Advocate of
Scotland, took an active part in Light-house affairs; and visited the
Bell Rock in the year 1812, as noticed at page 413.
RATTRAY LEDGE.--In compliment to Mr Baron Clerk Rattray, who, while
Sheriff of the Shire of Edinburgh, as noticed at page 98, was _ex
officio_ one of the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, and, as
one of the Bell Rock Committee, took much interest in the work.
HOPE’S WHARF--forms the termination of the permanent railway toward
the west. It was named for the Right Honourable Charles Hope, Lord
President of the Court of Session, who landed here in the year 1815.
While Lord Advocate of Scotland, he took a warm interest in the affairs
of the Northern Light-houses, and in 1803 brought the first bill into
Parliament for the erection of the Bell Rock Light-house, as noticed at
page 93.
PULTENEY LEDGE.--So named in compliment to Sir William Pulteney, who,
as a Member of Parliament, took a lively interest in the bill brought
forward for the Bell Rock Light-house in the year 1803, as alluded to
at page 92.
BANKS LEDGE.--Named in compliment to Sir Joseph Banks, who was
Vice-President of the Board of Trade in the year 1806, when the Bill
for the Light-house was in Parliament, and who took much interest in
it, as noticed at page 101.
COCHRANE’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Admiral Sir Alexander
Cochrane, who first called the attention of the Light-house Board to an
erection upon the Bell Rock, as mentioned at page 85.
PORT ERSKINE--forms the principal landing-place on the western side
of the Rock, and derives its name from the Honourable Henry Erskine,
who, when Lord Advocate of Scotland, and _ex officio_ one of the
Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, brought the second Bill for
the Bell Rock Light-house into Parliament, which passed in the year
1806, as stated at page 100.
ULBSTER LEDGE.--Named in compliment to the Right Honourable Sir John
Sinclair, Baronet, of Ulbster, Chairman of the Committee of the House
of Commons, and who brought up its report relative to the Bell Rock
bill, as stated at page 103.
KELLIE LEDGE.--Named in compliment to the Earl of Kellie, who visited
the works at the Bell Rock in the year 1810, as noticed at page 378.
PITMILLY WHARF--formed the western extremity of the landing-wharf in
use during the Light-house operations, and was named in compliment to
Mr Monypenny, now Lord Pitmilly, who, while in the commission both as
Sheriff of Fife and Solicitor-General of Scotland, was a member of the
Bell Rock Committee, and visited the works in the year 1810, as stated
at page 378.
KINEDDER LEDGE--is named in compliment to the late Mr William
Erskine, Sheriff of Orkney and Shetland, and a member of the Bell
Rock Committee. From Mr Erskine’s literary pursuits, he took a lively
interest in this work, before he left the Light-house Board, and also
after he was raised to the Bench, where he took his seat as Lord
Kinedder.
THE ABBOTSFORD.--This spot, where the waters of the two principal and
opposite landing-places meet, is named in compliment to Sir Walter
Scott, Baronet, of Abbotsford, who landed here in the year 1814, as
noticed at page 419, when he wrote the beautiful and expressive lines
inserted in a _fac-simile_ of his handwriting in the 2d Title-page.
RAE’S WHARF--forms the extremity of the southern reach of the permanent
railway, and derives its name from Sir William Rae, Baronet, who,
in the several capacities of Sheriff-Depute and Lord Advocate of
Scotland, has long been a member of the Light-house Board and Bell Rock
Committee. His Lordship visited the Rock in 1810, as noticed at page
387.
DUFF’S WHARF--derives its name from Mr Adam Duff, Sheriff of the shire
of Edinburgh, and a member of the Bell Rock Committee, who repeatedly
visited the works at the Bell Rock while in progress, particularly in
the year 1810, as noticed at page 387.
PORT BOYLE--takes its name from the Right Honourable David Boyle, Lord
Justice-Clerk, who, while Solicitor-General of Scotland, was a member
of the Bell Rock Committee, and visited the Light-house in the year
1811, as noticed at page 411.
THE CROWN LAWYERS.--This name is given to two detached rocks, which
lie on the south-eastern side of the House-rock, in allusion to the
Lord Advocate and Solicitor-General of Scotland, who are _ex officio_
Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, as noticed at page 6.
THE MARITIME SHERIFFS.--This name comprehends a range of rocks, also on
the south-eastern side of the main Rock, in reference to the Sheriffs
of maritime counties, who are _ex officio_ Commissioners of the
Northern Light-houses, as noticed at page 6.
THE ROYAL BURGHS,--A group of rocks lying on the south-western side
of the House-rock, so named from certain of the Chief Magistrates of
the Royal Burghs of Scotland who are _ex officio_ Commissioners of the
Northern Light-houses, as noticed at page 6.
TELFORD’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Mr Thomas Telford, Civil
Engineer, who was requested by Sir William Pulteney to visit the Bell
Rock professionally in the year 1803, as noticed at page 92.
DOWNIE’S LEDGE--derives its name from the late Mr Murdoch Downie, a
Marine Surveyor of considerable eminence, who suggested a plan for
erecting a Light-house on the Bell Rock, as noticed at page 93.
NEILL’S POOL--derives its name from Mr Patrick Neill, a particular
friend of the writer’s, who first visited the Bell Rock in 1808, as
noticed at page 235. The surface of this pool measures about three
fathoms across, and a fathom and a half in depth, when the tide
leaves the Rock. The bottom is generally covered with boulder-stones,
which are whirled about with much force when the sea is in a state of
agitation.
STUART’S TRACK--is on the south-western side of the Rock, derives its
name from the late Captain Harry Stuart of the Royal Navy, who visited
the Bell Rock in the year 1810, as alluded to at page 387. Captain
Stuart took an early interest in the plans for the Light-house, both by
Captain Brodie and the writer.
BRUCE’S LEDGE--was named in compliment to the memory of the late Mr
James Bruce of the Naval Yard, Leith, who frequently visited the Bell
Rock, and to whose ingenuity the Light-house service is indebted for
the improved construction of a boat, delineated in Plate XI. and
noticed at page 412.
RUSSELL’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Mr Claud Russell, Accountant
to the Light-house Board, who visited the Rock in the year 1812, as
mentioned in page 414.
SCORESBY’S POINT,--the most northern part of the Rock, named in
compliment to the writer’s friend Captain Scoresby _junior_, who has so
much extended our information regarding the Polar Regions.
TRINITY ROCK.--This rock is named in compliment to a Committee of the
Trinity House of Leith, consisting of Messrs Thomas Grindlay, John Hay,
and Thomas Ritchie, who gave their advice and assistance in the fitting
out and mooring the Floating-light in the year 1807, as alluded to at
page 110.
BALFOUR’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to the late Provost Balfour of
Arbroath, who felt the most lively interest in the Light-house affairs.
In his hospitable mansion the writer occasionally resided while the
works were in progress.
LEITCH’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to the writer’s friend Mr
Quintin Leitch, who visited the Rock in the year 1818. Mr Leitch is
further noticed at page 43.
PILLANS’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to the writer’s friend Mr
James Pillans of Leith, who took an early interest in the erection of
the Light-house, and who signs the Report of the Merchants of Leith
regarding it, as noticed at page 96.
THE LAST HOPE.--This name was given by the writer to the highest
part of the rock, in allusion to the narrow escape which he and the
artificers made in the year 1807, by the timeous arrival of James
Spink, the Bell Rock pilot at Arbroath, as noticed at page 149.
Spink is a remarkably strong man, whose _tout ensemble_ is highly
characteristic of a North-country fisherman. He usually dresses in a
_pé-jacket_, cut after a particular fashion, and wears a large flat
blue bonnet. A striking likeness of Spink, in his pilot-dress, with
the badge or insignia on his left arm, which is characteristic of the
boatmen in the service of the Northern Lights has been taken by Howe,
and is in the writer’s possession.
FORREST’S PASSAGE.--This gully or opening on the eastern side of the
Rock, is sometimes taken as a track by boats in certain states of
the sea and tide. It derives its name from the late Mr John Forrest,
Superintendant of Lightkeepers’ duty in the service of the Northern
Lights, who is particularly noticed at page 406.
LOGANS’ REACH.--This reach or compartment of the Railway, on the
eastern side of the Light-house, is named in compliment to the late Mr
Peter Logan, foreman-builder at the Bell Rock, and his son Mr David
Logan, clerk-of-works, whose active and faithful services, in their
respective departments, have been too often noticed in this work to
admit of reference to particular pages.
WATT’S REACH--has its name in compliment to Mr Francis Watt,
foreman-mill-wright, whose services have also already been often
particularised in the course of this work, and whose exertions in
erecting the beacon and temporary-railways did much credit to his zeal
and intrepidity. The writer also often profited by his ingenuity, in
reference to the various pieces of machinery employed at the works.
KENNEDY’S REACH--derives its name from Mr Lachlan Kennedy, who, as
Accountant and Cashier in the Engineer’s Office, discharged the various
duties of his situation in a manner equally creditable to himself and
satisfactory to his employers. An Abstract-Account of the expence of
the work, as drawn up by him, appears in the Appendix, No. VII. page
475.
SLIGHTS’ REACH,--named in compliment to Mr James Slight, and his
brother Alexander, who were chiefly employed in drawing the courses
of the building at large, and in making the various and nicely formed
moulds for fashioning the stones. They also fitted up the interior of
the house, and the permanent railways on the rock; and made a complete
model of the Light-house.
THE SMITHS’ FORGE AND LEDGE--named in compliment to Mr James Dove,
foreman-smith, and his assistants, who have been frequently alluded
to in these pages. It was here that the forge was erected at the
commencement of the works on the Rock; and on the connecting ledge the
first or experimental cargo of stones was landed.
REID’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Mr John Reid, the first
principal Lightkeeper at the Bell Rock, who retired from the service in
the year 1821, as noticed at page 422.
SELKIRKS’ LEDGE,--named for Mr Robert Selkirk, principal builder, and
his brother Thomas, who was the principal stone-cutter at the work.
WISHART’S LEDGE--is named for Mr Michael Wishart, some time principal
builder at the Rock, as noticed at page 291.
GLEN’S LEDGE.--This ledge has its name from Mr James Glen, millwright
and joiner, particularly noticed at page 279.
JOHN WATT.--A detached rock on the western side of the main rock, named
for John Watt, principal mortar-maker at the Bell Rock.
PETER FORTUNE.--A detached reef on the western side of the Rock, named
for a well known character in the Light-house service, as noticed at
page 299.
GLOAG’S TRACK--leads into Port Hamilton, and is named for Mr Robert
Gloag, who commanded the Light-house Yacht in the year 1807, and who
has otherwise had a good deal of connection with the Light-house
service.
MACURICH’S TRACK--on the western side of the Rock, is named in
compliment to Mr Thomas Macurich, mate of the sloop Smeaton, and
afterwards commander of the Bell Rock Tender, who had a very narrow
escape in a boat off the Rock, as noticed at page 253.
WEBB’S ROCK--is named in compliment to Mr Joseph Webb, one of the
King’s pilots at Yarmouth, who superintended the fitting out and
mooring of the Floating-light, as noticed at page 108.
SINCLAIR’S TRACK--is named in compliment to Mr George Sinclair, who, in
1807, commanded the Floating-light, and acted as landing-master.
WILSON’S TRACK--named for Mr James Wilson, landing-master, whose active
and enterprising conduct is often noticed in the course of this work.
In the year 1815, Mr Wilson left the Light-house service, when he was
appointed one of the Harbour-masters of Leith. The speaking-trumpet
which he used at the Bell Rock was presented to him, with the sanction
of the Light-house Board, when a suitable inscription was engraved on a
plate of silver attached to it.
TAYLOR’S TRACK--leads into Port Erskine, and derives its name from Mr
David Taylor, who commanded the Sir Joseph Banks Tender during the
progress of the works, and afterwards became Light-house Storekeeper at
Leith.
CALDER’S TRACK--situate on the north-western side of the Rock, derives
its name from Mr Thomas Calder, who commanded the Light-house Yacht,
and other craft, connected with the works, as noticed at page 260.
SOUTAR’S TRACK--derives its name from Mr Peter Soutar, who was one
of the Praam-masters while the works were in progress. In 1815 he
succeeded Mr James Wilson in the command of the Light-house Yacht.
POOL’S TRACK--is named for Mr Robert Pool, commander of the Smeaton
stone-lighter, a very active and persevering seaman.
THE ENGINEERS’ LEDGE,--situate on the eastern side of the Rock, is
named in compliment to certain of the Engineer’s assistants, who,
though belonging more especially to his general or private business,
have nevertheless been occasionally employed in the department of the
Bell Rock, particularly Mr John Steedman, Mr John Thin, Mr William
Lorimer, Mr G. C. Scott, and Mr Robert Shortreed, some of whose names
are attached to several of the Plates.
THE ARTIFICERS.--A name given to a parcel of detached rocks, lying on
the north-western side of the main Rock, in allusion to the numerous
artificers employed at the works, many of whom are now moving in
spheres of more extended usefulness, and, did our limits admit, would
be deserving of particular notice, as may be learned from page 379.
THE MARINERS.--This is also a group of detached rocks on the
north-eastern side of the Rock, which in like manner is named in
compliment to the exertions of the Seamen, who, as _men-of-all-works_,
gave a helping hand to every operation; and many of whom deserve the
warmest acknowledgments of the writer.
STRACHAN’S LEDGE,--situate on the north-eastern side of the Rock,
was named for Mr Robert Strachan of Leith, who fitted out the
Floating-light, and narrowly escaped being lost upon the Rock, when
approaching it in a boat which was upset in the year 1808, as noticed
at page 244.
CRAW’S HORSE.--Another detached rock, deriving its name from a narrow
escape which the sloop Smeaton made in foggy weather, as noticed at
page 364, while James Craw, who had charge of the stable, and was
principal carter at the work-yard of Arbroath, was on board, with his
favourite horse, on his way to Leith, to convey the upper part of the
Light-house, from Edinburgh, to be shipped for the Bell Rock. The horse
alluded to was a remarkably strong and powerful animal, measuring about
16 hands in height, and having, in the language of jockies, a great
deal of bone. It is not a little remarkable, that while the work was
in progress, this animal must actually have drawn the materials of the
Light-house, extending to upwards of 2000 tons in its finished state,
perhaps three or four times, in removing the blocks of stone from the
ship to the work-yard, again to the platform, and from the work-yard,
when they were to be shipped for the Rock, besides occasional movements
to and from the hands of the stone-cutters. A sketch of this animal,
and of his master James Craw, will be found at Fig. 21. Plate X. The
horse having failed from age, towards the close of the work he was
removed to the Island of Inchkeith, to go at large, where he died in
the year 1813. The fame of this animal’s labours, together with his
strength and excellent proportion as a draught-horse, having attracted
the notice of Dr John Barclay, that eminent anatomist procured the
bones, and set them up in his Museum. This valuable collection, it
is understood, is to be bequeathed to the College of Surgeons of
Edinburgh; so that the bones of the Bell Rock-horse, to use the
Doctor’s own language, “will be seen and admired as a useful skeleton,
and a source of instruction, when those of his employers lie mingled
with the dust.”
PLATE VII.
ORIGINAL DESIGNS FOR THE BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE.
[Illustration:
_DESIGNS FOR THE BELL ROCK LIGHT HOUSE BY M^R. STEVENSON._
_DESIGN FOR THE BELL ROCK LIGHT HOUSE BY M^R. RENNIE._
_Drawn by J. Slight_
_Engraved by R. Scott_
_PLATE VII._]
[Sidenote: Pl. VII.]
Fig. 1. shews the sites of the principal and diagonal supports of
cast-iron of the Pillar-formed Light-house, modelled by the writer
prior to his landing on the Rock in the year 1800, as alluded to in his
report, included in the Appendix, No. IV. at page 440. This Figure is a
Plan in which letters _a a a a a a a a_ point out the feet of the eight
principal columns; _e_ the central shoe or socket, intended to receive
the feet of the diagonal supports or braces, which correspond in number
with those of the main columns. This fabric, at the base, was to form a
common diameter of about 35 feet, diminishing to 12 feet at the top, or
immediately under the Light-room.
Fig. 2. The great columns in this design, which are sunk into the
Rock, and the diagonal braces _d d d d_, which butt against, or step
into the shoe _c_, are also strongly connected by the braces _b b b b
b b b b_, and cross ties marked _c c c c c c_. The habitable part of
this building is formed by two concentric rings of copper, marked _a
f_, _a f_, the one upon the outside, and the other upon the inside, of
the main columns. The space between these rings was to be filled with
plaster-of-Paris, or some light substance, to render the apartments
air-tight. Letter _g_ is the position of the entrance-door, and the
space below the first floor, marked _h_, is a coal magazine. The better
to throw off the sprays of the sea, the lower part, as will be seen
from the diagram, is of a conical form inverted.
Fig. 3. Shews the mode of fixing the principal columns, to the Rock,
and of building or connecting them together, being an enlarged section
of the foot of one of the main columns. The hollow cylindrical tube
marked _b b_, is sunk 24 inches, and acts as a steady pin or joggle to
the column which is wedged into the Rock, as shewn at _c c c c_, by
driving oaken and iron wedges alternately, instead of running them up
with melted lead. The next length of the column, marked _a a a a_, is
slipped over this tube, and has a seat cut in the rock at right angles
to the oblique direction of the column, to which it is connected by the
cutter or spear-bolts marked _d d d_, whose directions respectively
cross each other, as shewn in the section.
Fig. 4. represents one of the joints of the main columns, which occur
at every 7 feet of their length, from the rock to the habitable part
of the Light-house. This description of joint is what is technically
termed _spigot_ and _faucet_; _a a_ is the upper half, _b b b_ the
lower, _c c_ the joint, _d d d d_ the collar-piece clasping the joint,
and connecting it with the horizontal arms or braces _e e_, which, in
Fig. 2, are marked _b_, and in connection with the cross ties _c_, and
diagonal-supports _d_, bind the whole firmly together.
Fig. 5. represents the lower floor of the five apartments, in which _a
a a a a a a a_, as in the foregoing Figs. 1, 2, and 3. shew the main
columns passing between the outer covering and inner lining of copper.
Letter _c_ marks the entrance door, shewn at _g_, in Fig. 2., in which
d is the plat at the top of the ladder, formed on one of the columns,
which may also be conceived as passing up through the habitable part of
the building; the floors of which are formed with plates of cast-iron.
Fig. 6. represents a Light-house of masonry, modelled by the writer
immediately after his first landing upon the Rock. The better to
illustrate this design, the solid or lower part is given in elevation,
and the upper or habitable part in section. Compared with the Edystone
Light-house, upon the principles of which it was designed, the chief
differences consist in the exterior spiral-formed stair, intended to
afford permanent access to the Light-house, and also to serve as a
landing quay or wharf at high-water. The steps of this stair were to
be 3 feet in length, forming a kind of scarsement upon the outer-wall,
there being nothing to obstruct the force of the sea under the stair;
as it formed part of the main-wall, it may be conceived calculated to
have become a kind of spiral buttress to the building. In the upper
or habitable part, the interior walls diminish gradually, instead of
forming abrupt scarsements, and the floors were laid horizontally,
instead of being arched.
Fig. 7. Shews one of the floors, each stone of which forms part of
the outward walls, extending inwards to a centre stone, independently
of which they were to be connected, by means of copper-batts, with
a view to preserve their square form at the extremity, instead of
dove-tailing. These stones were also modelled with joggles sidewise,
upon the principles of the common-floor, termed Feathering in
carpentry; and also with dove-tailed joggles across the joints, where
they formed part of the outward wall, as shewn in this figure.
Fig. 8. is a plan of one of the courses of the void or habitable part
of this design, shewing both the joggles of the end joint and the
girth, raised upon the upper beds of the courses, and sunk into the
groove cut in the lower beds of the respective covering courses.
Figs. 9. and 10. exhibit different modes of connecting the stones
and courses of the solid of the building, both perpendicularly and
horizontally, by means of dove-tailing. But as a certain degree of
weakness is unavoidably incident to every system of dove-tailing, and,
as the method of forming the bed-joints of the void above alluded to is
equally effective, in its application to the solid or lower part of the
building, as represented in Plate XXIII., this is considered preferable
to the dove-tailing system.
Fig. 11. is part of a course, shewing a simple mode of connecting the
stones in water-buildings, so as to avoid dove-tailing, and preserve,
as much as possible, the entire figure of the stones. This is effected
by inserting square joggles into the joints, and allowing these
joggles to project 6 inches into the course immediately above, thereby
forming a connection horizontally between the stones of a course, and
vertically with the several courses.
Fig. 12. is also a course of masonry, in which the square or entire
form of the materials is preserved, while the stones are bound both
horizontally and vertically, by means of metallic-batts and plates, as
represented in the enlarged diagram described in the following Figure.
Fig. 13., _a_ is the dove-tailed cross-head or plate; _b_ is a section
both of the batt and plate, in their places, shewing their connection
with two courses of the building marked A B; _c_ shews the mode in which
the batt is fixed into the lower course, by means of wedges; _d_ the
upper end of the batt and plate, which is also wedged, and appears,
when in its place, as in Fig. 11., marked also _a a a_. But these
several modes of connecting the materials of masonry are considered
more or less objectionable, when compared with the girths delineated in
the design represented in Plate XXIII.
Figs. 14. and 15. are a reduced plan and elevation of the Bell Rock
Light-house by Mr Rennie, in the year 1807. They will be found so
obvious upon inspection, as not to require explanation, and are here
preserved as the only plans or drawings furnished for this work by that
eminent engineer.
PLATE VIII.
BEACON-HOUSE.
[Illustration:
_BELL ROCK BEACON_
_Drawn by W. Lorimer_
_Eng^d. by W. H. Lizars_
_PLATE VIII._]
[Sidenote: Pl. VIII.]
Fig. 1. represents the Beacon-house, which was used as a barrack for
the artificers during the working seasons of 1809 and 1810. Letter A A
A is the surface of the Rock. The principal legs or beams, with their
diagonal supports, radiating from the centre of the plan, are marked
_a a a a a a_, and the bracing chains _b b b_, as completed in the
year 1807. In 1808 the bracing-chains were removed, and the malleable
iron-bars marked _c c c_ were substituted. The dotted lines _d d d d
d_, are intended to show the form of the upper or habitable part of the
Beacon as it was ultimately finished, with its lantern, for ventilating
the barrack-room. One of the figures characterised as sailors, and
used for illustrating this elevation, is represented as standing upon
the Rock, and laying hold of one of the bracing-chains. The next figure
is ascending the trap-ladder, formed with cleats of timber nailed upon
one of the principal beams; he is on a level with the mortar-gallery,
marked letter _e e e_. The third figure is standing upon the cross
or collar-beams, nearly on a level with the floor of the cook-room,
marked _f f_. The fourth, or highest figure, is standing upon one of
the principal beams, with his feet on a level with the top of the
windows in the floor of the cabins of the engineer and his assistants
marked _g g_; the head of this figure being within the artificers’
barrack, marked _h h_. With one hand he is supposed to be touching the
provision-chest, marked _i_, and with the other he is laying hold of
the rope for hoisting the copper signal-ball _k_ upon the flag-staff.
Fig. 2. represents the gallery where the mortar-makers and smiths
latterly worked. _a a a a a a_ represent the principal beams of
the Beacon cut across; _b b b_ the position of the mortar tubs and
lime-casks; _c_ the smith’s anvil; _d_ his bellows; _e_ the hearth or
fire-place.
Fig. 3. represents the floor of the cook-room, in which _a a a a a a_
shew the principal beams cut across; _b_ the platt or landing at the
entrance-door; _c c_ the coboose or cooking-hearth; _d_ the chimney or
smoke funnel; _e e e e_ the provision casks; _f_ the trap stair leading
to the floor above; _g g_ the small life-boat, suspended by davits
from the principal beams of the beacon; _i i i i i i_ the six angular
upright posts cut across, marked _d_ in Fig. 1., which form the framing
of the hexagonal apartments or floors marked III. and IV. Letter _k_
represents the position of the privy, and stair leading to it.
Fig. 4. is the floor of the cabins of the engineer and his assistants.
Letters _a a a a a a_ mark the position of the six principal beams
of the beacon, now approaching closely together from their diagonal
direction: _b b b b b b_ the angular upright posts, which, together
with those marked _i i i i i i_, as referable to Fig. 3., form
the upper apartments into twelve sides; _c_ is the trap-ladder,
corresponding with letter _f_ in Fig. 3., which communicates with
the cook-room floor below; _d_ is another ladder, leading to the
artificers’ barrack above.
Fig. 5. represents the upper floor, or that of the artificers’
barrack-room, on a level with the top of the principal beams, marked
a in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. In this diagram _a a a a a_ represent the
ground-tier of beds, which were ranged in five heights, excepting
at the space over the man-hole, leading up to this apartment, where
there was only three heights of beds; _c_ represents the trap ladder
answerable to letter _d_ of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6. represents what may be termed a bird’s-eye view of the Beacon,
as completed in 1807, and before it was converted into a barrack. In
reference to Fig. 1., letter _a_ represents the six principal beams,
forming a common base measuring about 35 feet across, including the
bracing-chains, which are marked _b b b b b b_. These beams meet in a
point at the top, where they rest upon a block of beechwood, to which
the upper ends of the beams were fitted, the whole being girded with
strong malleable iron rings or hoops, keyed with spear-bolts. Here the
provision-chest _i_, and signal-ball _k_, are represented as resting
upon the top of the principal beams.
Fig. 7. is an enlarged view of two of the bracing-chains, marked _a a_,
with their tightening shakle marked _b b_, meeting in the ring _c c_.
Letter _d_ represents one of the batts, which were sunk into the rock A
A about 20 inches, and wedged with timber and iron, as shewn at _e e_.
Fig. 8. represents a side view of one of the beams of the beacon,
marked _a a a a_, cut across immediately above the great stancheons _b
b b b_, with its bolts, which were fitted upon each side of the beam;
_c c_ represent the clasp-plates, which embraced each foot of the
beacon, with its two stancheons. These clasp-plates were fixed with
spear-bolts, as shewn at _d d_. Letters _e e_ represent the wedging
with timber and iron, referred to in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9. represents a front view of a like portion of one of the
principal beams, as in Fig. 8.; _a a a a_ shew the stancheons on each
side of the beam, and _b b_ the lower extremity of the stancheons
sunk into the Rock A; _c c_ one of the clasp-plates; _d d d d_ the
spear-bolts.
Fig. 10. is one of the principal beams, _a_ cut across at the
clasp-plate _c c c c_. Letters _b b_ are the great iron-stancheons; and
_d d d_ shew the spear-bolts.
PLATE IX.
SHEWING THE PROGRESS OF THE WORKS DURING THE SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH
YEARS’ OPERATIONS.
[Illustration:
PROGRESS OF THE BELL ROCK WORKS.
_Drawn by J. Slight._
_Eng^d. by W. Miller._
_PLATE IX._]
[Sidenote: Pl. IX.]
Fig. 1. shews the state of the works about the close of the second
season, or year 1808, with two of the moveable beam-cranes, with their
guy tackles and working gear, which will be more particularly described
under Plate XIV. These are placed upon the top or fourth course of the
building. In the fore-ground, part of the unfinished railways are seen,
with waggons and artificers at work; and on the right the beacon is
partly traced in faint lines.
Fig. 2. represents the state of the works in the month of August 1809,
at the close of the third season’s work, when only one of the cranes
was set upon the building; the other, as the work increased in height,
and became less in diameter, was placed upon a temporary stool or prop
of masonry, marked _a a a a_. This prop was found extremely useful,
as, by elevating one of the cranes upon the top of it, the lift of
the materials was divided, and brought more conveniently within reach
of the higher crane, which at this period was about 30 feet above the
Rock. In the fore-ground of this diagram, part of the circular track
of railway round the building is seen. On the right, a part of the
Beacon-house appears with the rope-ladder of communication, extending
from the top of the solid of the Light-house to the mortar-gallery.
On the rope-ladder a figure is represented walking from the Beacon
to the Light-house, and a tackle, with its travelling pulley, is also
stretched, for conveying the mortar-bucket, to the builders.
Fig. 3. represents a section of the void or habitable part of the
Light-house as it appeared in the month of August 1810, when the
masonry was nearly completed. On the right is an elevation of part of
the Beacon-house, but instead of the rope-ladder of communication, a
bridge of timber is constructed. Letters _a a_ represent the top of the
solid, or level of the entrance-door of the building, from which the
stair-case ascends to the several apartments. Resting on the sill of
the door at _b_, is seen one of the beams for supporting the road-way
of the bridge, and below this, at the point _c_, is the step of one of
the diagonal braces of the bridge, where it is inserted about 6 inches
into one of the courses of the solid masonry. Regarding the frame-work
of the bridge, it may only further be noticed, that the road-way was
chiefly suspended from the king-posts _d d_.
Letter _e_ represents a block of stone, in the act of being raised
from the rail-way on the Rock, to the level of the bridge, by means of
the crab or winch-machine marked _f_, with wheel and pinion apparatus;
the pully of the working chain is suspended from the cross beam _g_,
which rests or is supported upon the top of the king-posts. One of the
figures on the bridge at _h_, is in the act of pushing forward a truck
cart or waggon _i_, to receive the stone _e_; when raised through the
aperture in the road-way, it is then lowered upon this waggon, and
removed towards the building within the sphere of the several purchases
or machines, by which it is transported to the hands of the builders.
Letter _k_ refers to a life-buoy, and a coil of rope, kept in readiness
upon the bridge, in case of accident by the fall of any of the people
from the building or beacon while the Rock was covered by the tide.
_l l_ represent two of the fire-buckets, which were hung round the
beacon, under the projection immediately above the cook-room. The
stone marked _e_, in the second stage of its progress towards the
top of the building, is now seen immediately above the lintel of the
entrance-door, the purchase chain, by which it is suspended, passes
over a pulley at _m_, attached to the beam _n n_, which is projected
from one of the windows of the Light-room store, where it is supported
upon a block of timber, so as to admit of the chain passing under
it. The further end of this beam, being within the Light-house, was
bolted to an upright post marked _o o_, and the whole apparatus was
worked by means of the crab or winch-machine at _p_, similar to that
upon the bridge marked _f f_. The stone _e_ is next supposed to
have gained the height of the floor of the bed-room, where another
apparatus, similar to those at _f_ and _p_, is placed. Here a figure
is represented at _q_, with a rod in his hand, in the act of hooking
the chain of the balance-crane into the Lewis-batt, fixed in the
stone _e_, still in its progress to the top of the building. _r r r_
represent the strong oaken beams placed on the floor of the library, on
which the foot of the cast-iron balance-crane is supported. _s s_ two
of the four diagonal braces of oak timber, bolted into a collar-piece
of cast-iron, clasping the upright shaft of the crane at _t t_, and
butting against the upright stretchers at _u u_; intended as a security
to the walls, in case the balance-crane should at any time get out of
equilibrium. The two figures marked _v v_, are represented as working
the balance-crane, and are supposed to be standing upon a moveable
platform _x x_, suspended from the body of the crane by rods of iron _y
y_. This platform or stage, with the artificers upon it, being moveable
with the body of the crane, gave great facility and conveniency to
those who wrought it. _z_ is the balance-weight, moveable by the
machinery along the balance-beam of the crane, to keep the whole in
a state of equilibrium, according to the varied load suspended from
the working or opposite beam; accented _á_ represents the moveable
block or cross-head of malleable iron, with two eyes, into which the
chains of the crane were hooked, when the _body_ (comprehending the
machinery and beams) was to be elevated upon the shaft in the progress
of building. But the cross-head, together with the other apparatus
of this machine, will be better understood by examining Plate XVII.,
with its letter-press description. _b´ b´ b´_ represent the form and
position of the Light-room in dotted lines; _c´_ the mortar-bucket made
to traverse upon the guide-rope _d´ d´_, stretched between the building
and the mortar-gallery of the Beacon; the end of the rope attached to
the building being fixed to the stanchion _é_, inserted into one of the
Lewis batt-holes, on the balcony of the Light-room.
PLATE X.
VARIOUS IMPLEMENTS AND APPARATUS CONNECTED WITH THE WORKS.
[Illustration:
_CERTAIN IMPLEMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE BELL ROCK WORKS_
_Drawn by G. C. Scott_
_Eng^d. by E. Mitchell_
_PLATE X._]
[Sidenote: Pl. X.]
Fig. 1.--is an elevation of one of the three large copper Lanterns
carried by the Pharos Floating-Light, which was moored off the Bell
Rock while the Light-house was erecting. In order to relieve this
vessel of the cumbrous yards with which Floating-lights were in use to
be fitted, these lanterns were so constructed as to clasp round the
masts, and traverse upon them. This was effected by constructing them
with a tube of copper in the centre, capable of receiving the mast, and
through which it passed. The lanterns were first completely formed,
and fitted with brass flanges; they were then cut longitudinally
asunder, which conveniently admitted of their being screwed together
on the masts, after the vessel was fully equipped and moored in her
station. Letters _a a a a_ shew part of one of the masts, _b_ one of
the tackle-hooks for raising and lowering the lanterns at pleasure, _c
c c c c c c c c c_ the brass flanges, with their screw-bolts, by which
the body or case of the lantern was ultimately put together; _d d d_
shew the position of certain holes in the bottom for the admission of
air, _f f f f_ the holes at the top, connected with the ventilation,
to which the collar-pieces _e e_ and _g g_ form guards against the
immediate effects of the weather. The detached diagram, upon an
enlarged scale, shows the air-hole, which is marked _m_. The letters _h
h h h_ shew the part of the lantern which was glazed with plate-glass;
_i_ is one of the glass shutters, by which the lamps were trimmed; the
lower half being raised, slides into a groove made for its reception;
_k k_ shew the range of ten agitable burners or lamps, out of which the
oil cannot be spilt by the rolling motion of the ship. Each lamp having
a silvered-copper speculum or reflector _l l_ placed behind the flame,
was found greatly to increase the brilliancy of the light.
Fig. 2.--is a cross section of the bottom of the lantern, shewing the
mast _a_ cut across, _b b_ is the sole or bottom of the lantern, _c
c_ the flanges at the junction of the body, in reference to the same
letter in Fig. 1.; _d d d d_ the small holes for the admission of air,
_e e e_ the brass zone or chandelier, with its ten arms and sockets
marked _f f_, &c. in which the stalks of the burners are inserted.
The chandelier is made to traverse horizontally into a corresponding
groove fixed upon the interior cylinder or case, through which the mast
passes, and upon which the whole moves up and down. When, therefore,
the lamps require to be trimmed or taken out of the lantern, the
chandelier is turned until they are respectively brought opposite to
the shutter marked _i_.
Fig. 3. is an enlarged view of one of the agitable burners _a_, with
its reflector _b_, which last measures four inches over the lips, and
is raised to the parabolic curve of three inches focus; _c_ the socket,
_d_ the section of the moveable chandelier in its groove, answerable
to letters _k_ and _l_, Fig. 1., and _f_ and _e_ Fig. 2. In reference
to Fig. 3., _e e_ is a section of part of the central cylinder of the
lantern and mast of the ship.
Fig. 4. represents one of the Mushroom-Anchors, constructed wholly of
cast-iron, used for mooring the Floating-Light and other craft off the
Bell Rock, to which part of the mooring-chain is attached. This diagram
seems so obvious as to require no particular description. Towards the
head _a a_ the shank is strengthened by means of four feathers or
brackets raised upon it, somewhat resembling the connecting gills of
the vegetable mushroom. These anchors weighed from 14 to 21 cwt.
Figs. 5. to 9.--QUARRY TOOLS.--Fig. 5. is a common stone-pick, weighing
from 8 to 10 lb., shown with and without the handle, which measured
about 2 feet in length, but is here shortened. Fig. 6. is the Aberdeen
or granite pick, weighing from 6 to 16 lb. Fig. 7. is a quarry hammer,
weighing from 6 to 8 lb. used for jumping or boring batt-holes in the
Rock, and the trenail-holes in the courses of the building. Fig. 8.
represents the boring-irons for the trenail-holes, measuring 1¾
inches in breadth at the cutting end, and varying in length according
to the depth of the respective holes. Fig. 9. is the scraper used for
cleaning the holes; the perforated end being applied with a piece of
rag for drying up the moisture.
Fig. 10. represents one of the oaken trenails used for keeping the
stones in their places while the building was within the ordinary range
of the sea. The positions of these trenails may be traced in the small
circular holes of the courses, in Plate XIII. Their lower ends were cut
with a saw-draught as at letter _a_, into which a small wedge marked
_b_ was inserted, and the trenail having been driven home, the small
wedge had the effect of tightening or fixing it. The upper end _c_ was
then cut off flush with the upper bed of the stone, when it was split,
and another small wedge, marked _d_, driven into the chisel-mark,
which completed the operation of fixing the trenails into their places.
Fig. 11. represents a pair of the oaken wedges inserted into
corresponding grooves cut into the perpendicular joints of the stones
in each course of the solid or lower part of the Light-house, as may be
traced in the small oblong holes, marked in the joints of the courses
in Plate XIII. These wedges were chiefly intended for bringing the
dove-tailed parts of the stones to a general bearing. The thick end of
the wedge marked _a_ being dropped into its groove, the smaller end of
the corresponding wedge _b_ was then inserted, and driven home till
some degree of tension or firmness was obtained. This operation of
trenailing and wedging was followed from Mr Smeaton’s practice at the
Edystone Light-house.
Fig. 12. is a section of one of the cast-iron mortar-tubs, with its
pestle, shod or loaded with a piece of malleable iron.
Figs. 13. to 15.--CAST-IRON PLATE-RAILWAY.--Fig. 13. is a longitudinal
view of one length of the cast-iron railways erected upon the Rock; _a
a a a_ represent the stools or upright supports, _b b_ are the tracks
of the roadway, _c c_ one of the side stays or braces. Fig. 14. is a
cross section on the line A B of Fig. 15, in which _a a_ is the support
with its cross-brace _f_, bolted at _g g g g_; _b b_ are the railway
tracks, _c c c c_ the stays, with their connecting bolts on each side,
_d d_ the sleeper or horizontal brace connecting the top of the stools,
and forming a chair or seat for the rails and grated roadway; _e e e e_
represent the batts and spear-bolts, with which the whole was connected
to the Rock, by the process of wedging with timber and iron. Fig.
15. is a plan of the finished railway; _a a a a_ are the feet of the
stools, _b b_ the side rails or waggon-tracks, _c c_ the stays or side
braces, _d d_ the sleepers, and _h h_ the grated footpath. The weight
of a yard in length of the railways complete, of the height of four
feet, as represented in these diagrams, may be estimated about 5 cwt.
Fig. 16. represents a plan of one of the railway waggons; _a_ is the
iron handle made to hook upon either end of the waggon, so as to
prevent the necessity of turning it; _b b_ is the body of the waggon,
consisting of two pieces of oak timber, bolted upon the upper part of
the double frame intended for accommodating the wheels to the circular
track of the railway round the building. The upper and under frames are
connected with the bolt _c c_, so as to admit of the movement above
alluded to. For the same reason, a joint was formed in the perch or
middle of the frame at _d_. The trucks or wheels _e e e e_ were of
cast-iron, measuring 15 inches in diameter. These waggons were always
left upon the Rock, being simply turned upside down, or off their
wheels, in a particular part, and were seldom moved by the sea, as they
weighed about 2 cwt. each.
Fig. 17. The ten diagrams, marked _a_, _b_, _c_, _d_, _e_, _f_, _g_,
_h_, _i_, and _k_, are a set of moulds for one course of the solid
part of the building, by which the stones were cut and prepared in the
work-yard previous to their being shipped for the Rock. The application
and connection of these diagrams will be better understood by examining
the courses of the building in Plate XIII.
Fig. 18. a Trainer or Rule, framed of timber, applied by the builders,
for ascertaining the exact position of the stones of the respective
courses. _a_ is the eye or socket on which it was fitted to a
steady-pin placed exactly in the centre. This rule was used chiefly for
ascertaining the radiating direction of the stones, from the centre
towards the circumference, being laid agreeably to corresponding
notches and lines marked upon their upper-beds, so as to preserve
band throughout the work, and prevent difficulty with the closing or
finishing stones.
Fig. 19. is a perpendicular section of the carpenter’s jack, used with
much advantage for shifting and turning the stones in the work-yard.
The case of this machine was made of elm, and strongly bound at the
ends with iron. It measured 4 feet in height, its greatest breadth 12
inches, and its thickness 6 inches. _a a_ is the stock or case, _b
b_ the rack, fashioned at the lower end somewhat like the claws of a
carpenter’s hammer. The upper end is of a forked form, both ends being
conveniently applicable to the varied positions of the stones; _c_
and _d_ are the wheel and pinion work; _e_ the handle by which the
machinery is worked, affording a purchase or mechanical advantage in
the ratio of about 64 to 1.
Fig. 20. is a plan of the useful machine called The Woolwich
Sling-Cart, applicable to transporting large blocks of stone suspended
between the wheels by means of a Lewis-batt. When a stone was of
considerable length, it became necessary to employ a chain to steady
it at the farther end, the application of which will be seen in this
and the following figure. _a a a a_ represent the shafts and body of
the cart, _b b b b_ the wheels, _c c_ the handles passing between the
spokes of the wheels, by which the machinery is worked for lifting the
stone. The dotted line _d d d d_ represents a plan of a stone in its
state of suspension, _e e e_ the wheel and pinion work, _f_ the barrel
or cylinder on which the chain turns as the stone is raised; _g g_ is
the tail-beam with its chain _h h_, and steady-pin _i_.
Fig. 21. represents the sling-cart in its working state, with letters
corresponding to Fig. 20. Here the Bell Rock carter, and his horse, are
shown, already noticed in the description of Plate VI., page 498.
PLATE XI.
THE SHEER-CRANE, LEWIS-BATT, PRAAM-BOAT WITH CARGO, SLOOP SMEATON
DISCHARGING, AND BRUCE’s _TWO-HALF_ ATTENDING-BOAT.
[Illustration:
APPARATUS CONNECTED WITH THE BELL ROCK WORKS.
_Drawn by G. C. Scott_
_Eng^d. by W. Miller._
_PLATE XI._]
[Sidenote: Pl. XI.]