Not so this time. A warm welcome awaited us after the long drive (170 miles each way). And the inside of the museum was fascinating and very interesting. Of course we can not show you the whole place, but here are a few examples.

St. Mary’s Optic

This optic came from  St. Mary’s island, one of the earliest lighthouses on the Northumbrian coast built in 1898.

The optic rotates in mercury and was one of the earliest to be designed that way.

In the museum it is possible to use a handle to rotate the optic. Amazing how easy that is considering the enormous size of this optic. 

The text on the info-board reads:

This apparatus, the last of its kind comes form a 60-class light vessel introduced about 1840. The whole unit was maintained on deck and winched up the mast and the drive shaft, which made the apparatus revolve, was mounted off center.

Each reflector was individually gimbaled to provide a stable horizontal beam as the vessel rolled. These vessels survived well into the twentieth century when the original cylindrical which oil lamps were replaced with electricity.

this is a closer look at one of the individual lamps

The clock mechanism that drove the optical apparatus on a light vessel.

The optic was made by Chance Brothers in 1887. What you see is the upper part of a hyper radial optic. This was removed in 1911. The lower part is still in use at the Bishop Rock.  

With a focal length of 200 mm, this lens produced 100,000 candle power and a range of 15 miles.

A model of the Kentish Knock Light Vessel in a scale of  1:24

Another light vessel model displayed

We absolutely loved our visit at the museum. We think the material displayed is a TREASURE we need to keep and maintain for all to see!

There are rumors that the museum could be closed (i.e. not reopened after the winter). That - we think - would be a crying shame!

So please Trinity House - be proud of the heritage you are part of and of all the wonderful items you have there. Be proud and allow as many people as possible to see these things!