Friday 4 April 2014

St Catherine's Lighthouse.

Once again while on the I.O.W Eileen asked if I would like to see St Catherine’s Lighthouse as we were in the area. so I said yes. After we parked the car some distance away we passed a house with this beautiful statue in their garden. Unfortunately the lighthouse was not open for tours that day, however the tour guide was there and we were thrilled that he allowed us inside the lighthouse.



Walked past these beautiful Narcissus.



 Then we spotted to Rabbits in a field.



St Catherine's Lighthouse is situated at Niton Undercliffe, 5 miles from Ventnor on the Isle of Wight and comprises a white octagonal tower with 94 steps up to the lantern. The main light, visible for up to 30 nautical miles in clear weather is the third most powerful light in the Trinity House Service giving a guide to shipping in the Channel as well as vessels approaching the Solent.  

CLCIK HERE to find out more fascinating history about this lighthouse. 


 A light to warn shipping was first established on the Southerly tip of the Isle of Wight in 1323. 




 There were 2 beautiful cabinets in the lighthouse before it was automated however the workmen broke up the other one and some wise person rescued this one before the same fate befell it!  This one now houses all the type of lights used over the years in the lighthouse.



Looking up.



 I hope you can imagine this next explanation from my photos.  There was a plum line through this hole  (below) that went right up to the top of the lighthouse and ending down where you see our feet  (above) and the round circle.  Every day this was checked to make sure the lighthouse was totally vertical because if it was even a degree out, the light would not work properly.




This is a photograph of the last 3 lighthouse keepers checking the plum line every morning. Perhaps the next time I visit the island I will be able to take the tour and walk up to the top of the lighthouse.


As we walked back to the car, I thought this tree was an interesting shape.



 Lastly we passed a bank of Mares Tails. 
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog today.  

Thanks for popping in.

Many thanks to those who left comments on any of my blogs.

33 comments:

  1. Great look round the Light. I suspect the lantern is still a wonderful thing to behold.

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    1. HI Adrian Hopfullly I wil be able to walk up all the steps someday. Have a great weekend.

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  2. Such a pristine, beautiful, and well-kept lighthouse. I love 'em.

    And that bronze statue is perfect.

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  3. I love that statue in the first shot.
    And what a fine building that lighthouse is.

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    1. HI Keith Yes I thought the state was fantastic. Glad you liked the lighthouse. Have a great weekend.

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  4. Thanks for taking us along on your visit to this interesting lighthouse. You were lucky the guide was kind and let you in. A fine series.

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    1. HI Don Yes you are right and perhaps the next time I will be ableto get to the top. Thanks for comments. Have a great weekend.

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  5. What a great lighthouse. Looks like a small castle. The information about the plumb line is very interesting. It's something I would have never thought about before now. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  6. I can relate to that statue Margaret, not too many more years before I'm as immobile as those two!! I hope I get a nice quite spot, surrounded by nature, to sit in when the time comes?
    Great info and pictures of the lighthouse. Images from the top next time?
    Those Mares Tails have reminded me, I should go and check out the ones that grow close to me...[;o)

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    1. HI Trevor Well I someday would like to go up it although a shot from the top of the outside would only have sea in it. Not so interesting unless the yachts were sailing past. Thanks for comment and I am sure you have a good few years left before being put out to graze!! Have a great weekend.

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  7. HI Carole Yes I never thought of that before the guide told me however it does make sense. Thanks for comment. Have a great weekend.

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  8. The first one, they are a stunning couple. The lighthouse, well, can you look up the stairs, vertigo at it's best Margaret.

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    1. HI Bob Have a great weekend. Yes I agree, A stunning couple.

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  9. Fascinating pictures and commentary. I love that gnarled old tree.

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  10. HI Ruth Many thanks for your kind comment. Have a great weekend.

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  11. That statue is really beautiful! The lighthouse is marvelous as is that piece of furniture that was rescued. Thank you for the tour!

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  12. What a treat to be able to go inside the light house. Megathanks for another beautiful walk, filled with wonders.

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  13. Margaret, Wonderful images! Glad you were able to get a private tour!

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  14. Wow!
    Margaret, your post is very, very interesting.
    Photos of excellent quality.
    Have a nice weekend.

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  15. I love lighthouses and everything about them. I REALLY enjoyed your images today!!

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  16. A very enjoyable visit, Margaret! There is an Isle of Wight in Virginai, USA, but from the date 1323 you must be in England. Beautiful photos, even on a cloudy day! Thank you for taking us along on your adventure!

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    1. HI June I never knew there was another I.O.W. however you are correct, this I.O.W. is an island just off the south coast of the UK. Thank you for this information and your comment, Have a great weekend.

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  17. That's a beautiful lighthouse.

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  18. This lighthouse looks like part of an old fortress!! And I like the lovely curved cabinet, I suppose it was specially made for the building. The dizzying shots of the stairs are spectacular.

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  19. Thanks for sharing this interesting structure with us. The lighthouse itself has a unique shape, and I found the information about the plumb line interesting. I also like the statue in the garden.

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  20. Love that statue!
    The lighthouse has some wonderful architectural details.
    You have such wonderful experiences. So glad you share them.

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  21. Another fabulous post Margaret, the lighthouse was gorgeous and I am so glad that someone thought to say this beautiful piece of furniture.

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  22. Great pictures! Glad you were able to get in.

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  23. i love any kind of lighthouse. they are all so gorgeous. not important any more sadly. why they are not needed seems silly to me. a big part of our history. boat/ship history. i guess they are more for looks now. i would love to live in one. think of all the great shots & views you would have. thanks, for sharing. ( :

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  24. love the looks of this lighthouse. These are so fun to visit, and how lucky you were to be able to go in. Quite the staircase there. Great shots of this

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