Peter, I am absolutely enthralled by your records of lighthouse lifestyle. Funny to think how easily this history could have been lost. As a 30 year old who has only ever liven in massive, sprawling, urban labyrinths, these videos take me to a world I can usually only fantasize about. Being encased in a stone tower, perched on the edge of nowhere. On the edge of darkness. A literal beacon of light for those looking for their way. I can't tell you how much I wish I could have been there. I love to cook. Maintain equipment. Observe. To help guide travelers. And above all, I love the sea. In a different age, it would have been something I would have loved to try. A warmly lit room, the television dimly flickering, food cooking at the stove, all while a storm rages outside with 60 foot waves crashing against the stone monolith. A radio flickering in and out as requests for weather updates undoubtedly come in frequently during these times. All while playing a casual board game and discussing anything that could come to mind. I love Star Trek, and was extremely happy to see it come on during one of your videos! There's something very "Science-fiction" about being a lighthouse keeper. Something about actually living in that remote, deadly environment, but being so comfortable and well stocked, is fascinating. Almost like a ship in space. To watch TV while having a drink, and to look out the window to a storm that could capsize the most sturdy tankers. Well. That does something to my brain that makes it feel very nice. Another keeper in one of your videos said something to the effect of: "When you're here, you don't move through time. Time moves around you". As if the keepers' time is on hold by the universe, while the rest of the world continues its bustle. I very much believe that to be true. Sorry for the long comment. I just really enjoy your videos, and lament the end of the keeper. Sometimes, early in the morning when I wake up in bed, I pretend my apartment is a lighthouse. I imagine I can hear the surf crashing against the base of the tower. The seagulls squawking. Blowing wind and the clean smell of salt in the air. All while the faithful engine bellows away. Not a worry in the world... And then some asshole honks their horn outside my window. Lol. Thanks Peter! Keep uploading as much of this stuff as you can! Even the stuff you think might be boring! We love it all ! :)
WOW! Thank you so very much for your poetic ramble, you nailed it. That was pretty much how some of us Keepers felt, it's a life that I must admit, I do miss, but at least I can be back there in a flash whilst editing. Yes time is a strange concept when you are out there, and it does often seem like you are in another world and time zone. Thanks again and stay safe.
What an outstanding comment and thanks for allowing us the insight into your psyche…I share many of the same sentiments and would often wonder during a long night at sea (I spent 9 years as a navigator in the RN) how different in times past that lifestyle was…
@@Housey1985 Thank you very much, much appreciated. I also wish that in the inevitable push with progress, that we don't destroy our past in the rush. Thanks again, stay safe.
Peter what a way of life. I would of loved to been in the era of the light house keepers.. Sad to see all that lovely wood work ripped out.. The curve doors with glass.. And the banna bunks look grate.. Thank you so much for capturing thd light house before the big rip out💔💪🇧🇲
Such a majestic lighthouse. Thanks Peter for capturing the moment. I dont think I could make it up to the front door!! The climb must have been perilous on a nice day lol.
Thank you, and I was lucky in as much as I only did that climb once. The ride on the winch was OK, it's just that I'm not brilliant with heights, so clinging to those dog steps and climbing tends to concentrate the moment a tad. Cheers and take care
Brilliant video I can’t believe there is an actual fully working kitchen and living room and an actual flushing toilet lol absolutely brilliant apart from the noise (don’t know how the keepers get sleeping lol😂) wld love to go in it to see everything for myself 😮 27/1/2023 at 12:52pm hours
Thank you Mark, for the kind words. Yes the noise out there never quite goes away, but we managed to push it into the background. Well, till the fog rolled in. Cheers and stay safe.
Great to see this "redone" version Peter. You probably remember why I am interested in these Rock Lighthouses! If not I can remind you! My ancestors would be glad their "old girls" are still out there and working well. I told you before how I respectfully turned down Trinity House's offer of a transfer via THAT METHOD!! Keep up the good work Peter.
Hi Nick, Yes you did Ha! Yes all those monster storms we've been having that are flattening modern structures ashore, and your "Ancestors" efforts out to sea are just shaking them off, brilliant! Stay safe Mate, take care
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too … You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!! 12:57 on 27/01/2023
Peter, as an M&E geek this floats my boat so much, and yet nobody at the Science Museum or the IET has ever got back to me on archiving ideas, despite several prods. l'll have another go with IMechE and another prospect. I'm deeply sorry my efforts have so far not produced any better solution than UA-cam! Keep up the great work. Rgds, Phil
@@PeterHalil Hi, I find IMechE's archivist Lucy Bonner did respond late last year, saying had you considered Trinity House archives. I sense some acrimony there on your part; I'm happy to keep chipping away on your behalf as you prefer, whether an institution, the National Film Archive or whatever. Let me know thoughts on Trinity House and I'll act as required. Rgds, Phil.
@@philhealey449 Thanks for your efforts Phil but I shall find somewhere sometime in the future, thanks. As for Trinity House, whom I worked for, they weren't interested at the time I asked, perhaps I should ask again in the future, especially if they have noticed all the messages of support from around the World. Thanks again for trying, but no need to carry on. Cheers Mate and take care
@@PeterHalil Trinity House do seem commercialized, like everything else that went bellyside up under Mrs T in the 1990s . I would say they ought to be a good fit as the little there is on their website does cover both people and the technical, but I recall you said they were awkward on wanting copyright. The way the world is now, I guess if YT evaporates then we will all have bigger worries also !
Another superb video from you sir! It was a job I always wanted to do but automation got there first. My Uncle was a lighthouse keeper in the Langness Lighthouse on the Isle of Man and I just loved going into the lighthouse when he was working. I loved the smell of the place.
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too … You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!!
Hi Bender, I only did the sea transfer once, and I guess, apprehensive would be about right. It's a case of the other guys know what they are doing, and in my case, it wasn't a rough day. I was only concerned on the set off and climbing the dog steps, cheers, thanks for the kind words. stay safe
These videos are iconic. Thank you so much for preserving history on film like this. It makes me sad that these lights are now automated (and LED lamps don’t cast light as far as incandescent - I know that’s been an issue for Irish lighthouses, as well as the colour and ‘loom’ of the beam being lacking). I could’ve wept at hearing that enormous fresnel lens was taken apart, although at least they kept the top part. Progress is often uncomfortable, I suppose, but it still makes me sad. Speaking of uncomfortable, wouldn’t you have to sleep on only one side in those bunks, to conform to the curve of the bed? The whole lighthouse setup would be fantastic if you were happy to be alone for long periods, but sharing such a small space with at least two other people (and the sound of the engine constantly) would be very hard going, for me at least. You must have the patience of a saint at times! Finally, thank you so much for the views of the base of the lighthouse, taken from the safety net on the helipad. It’s such a beautiful and relaxing view, although I know it wasn’t for you, having to be out on the safety netting (at least it wasn’t in a storm in this video)! You could string the various lighthouses’ sea shots from the helipad together and make a relaxation video, you’d make a killing! Thank you again for all of this. The engineering is breathtaking in its complexity, and the beauty of it all is stunning. So much important history that not enough people know about!
Thank you very much for your kind comments. If you were a 6 foot plus person, you would have problems in a curved bunk. The noise, was just a constant background, you even got used to the fog horn, eventually! The Led's seem to have gotten a lot brighter, but yes, I too miss the lighthouse beams of light. In the not too distant past, it wasn't unheard of, to throw great big lenses into the sea instead of bringing them ashore to a museum, not by the keepers though. In my Trevose lighthouse video coming up in about 4 weeks or so, you see the destruction of a beautiful engine room under the guise of progress when the place was automated.
By the way did I tell you I found the gold "turnip" watch that my ancestor William Douglass was wearing when he fell into the sea from halfway up the Bishop once? Doesn't work any more on account of the salt water which is a shame. He escaped injury as his fall was broken by a wave fortuitously!
Hi Nick, no you didn't, grief, he was so very lucky! Isn't there anywhere that the watch can be restored? What a brilliant treasure to have from your ancestor. That's a hell of a long way to fall and survive it, cheers and stay safe
@@PeterHalil I will have to see if I can get that watch restored to working order certainly Peter! I DO ALSO have another one of the Douglass family one's which DOES still work however which is some consolation ! Take care too mate.
Hi Duncan, yes they were emptied out the window, but most Keepers were aware of the wind direction. It would have been one of the morning jobs to bleach them as well, cheers, stay safe
Thanks so much for showing us around this very historic lighthouse. The info sheet you show at the end says it was only electrified in 1973. That seems quite incredible. I assume most other lights were electric well before this time??
Hi, As far as I recall, other lights were electrified earlier but some really dragged on as can be seen with a lot of the equipment seen in my videos. Thanks for your comments, stay safe
thanks once again, enjoyed that. I guess these places are quite earie these days now they are not manned any more. Sad really. How do they power the lighthouses these days, I ask because if there was a generator running constantly who services them and how often? Are the lighthouses less reliable now?
Hi Peter, thanks for another really facinating video. How many hours sleep were you allowed,at any one shift. A very exposed lighthouse, stuck in middle of sea, compared to some you have showed us round. Amazing life though. take care, Peter
Hi June, Thankyou for your comments. Sleep!, OK, The shifts were basically 0400am till mid day, where most of the cleaning and work was done. You were then back on at 8pm till mid night so you had the afternoon in bed before the 8pm shift. Next day, you were on mid day (12 noon) till 8pm then back on at midnight till 4 am the next morning, you would also have a few hours in bed from after 8pm till your midnight shift. Then it was your so called day off, but if you had to work the boat, or in my day, the helicopter (for fuel & water) then everybody worked. So it was an endless cycle of shifts and sleep in between, but it wasn't as hard or bad as it sounds in print, jut the adjusting period at the beginning and at the end when you got home, cheers and stay safe.
Hi Peter another great upload. 1) When working on the lighthouse did you hear the constant noise of the generators where ever you were on the lighthouse? 2) why did they remove the top half of the lens? Take care and kind regards.
Hi Mickey, The engine noise was always there, but it was just background noise unless you got closer to the engine room level. I have no idea why they removed the top half of the lens, unless it was something to do with getting rid of a lot of excess weight for the solar stuff to still be able to turn the lens? I'm afraid, us Keepers weren't in the loop for a lot of what they did, cheers. Maybe somebody out there that does know, will enlighten us? Take care
@@PeterHalil Thank you Peter. Look forward to the next upload.Hopefully a friend of mine who has a boat moored in Newhaven will take me round the Royal Sovereign light tower this summer before they start to dismantle it.Many thanks again.
Peter, yet another question on heating and cooking! What did they use before propane and electric cookers on Bishops Rock? Presumably coal fired ranges? Thank you once again for an interesting and informative film. Ps what is the state of the interior now it's been fully automated for 30 years? Still have kitchens and beds for maintenance staff?
Hi David, They would have had the old coal or coke fired ranges to cook on which also gave out ambient heat for the tower. As for the interior now, It retained the bedroom and kitchen for visiting technicians etc but no idea of the state with nobody living there permanently, cheers
@@PeterHalil which leads to ......where did these exhaust to? My coal fire is temperamental with wind changes.... in a tower that would be a challenge to manage I would guess? I noticed one of your Wales lighthouse ( think it is a heritage building now) videos had a Victorian range but that was effectively a house with a tower above?
@@davidstone5317 Hopefully a Keeper that was on in the days that they had the ranges may answer that one as I was only on the Needles a couple of times which had a range, and I can't remember where it exhausted too. I seem to recall that the chimneys went up through the tower and exited at the top (before helicopter platforms) as lots of interviews from the older keepers mention that if they have to start sounding for fog (explosive fog contraption up top) they had to make sure that the ranges were shut down (damper on) as the 1st blast, swept the chimney and flooded the kitchen in soot!
@@PeterHalil I shouldn’t laugh, but that sounds like a classic comedy sketch right there! Absolutely not funny if it actually happened to you though, I should imagine!
Thank you very much, and yes I'm still in the land of the living and kept very busy with our 2 grand children that we baby sit a few days of the week. Cheers Mate, you stay safe too
So fascinating! That was a brilliant idea to film in the lighthouses before they got automated! Did you have to know a lighthouse before you could work there, or could you get sent to a tower that you have never been to before?
Hi, We were quite often thrown in at the deep end when being posted. You could arrive at your new lighthouse and find yourself on watch straight away! Luckily though, you were given a quick run down on what to do, plus a thorough going over the next morning. I used to take plenty of notes for the fog horn start ups, as they were the trickiest to master. Basically, all lighthouses were similar and very different at the same time. Cheers and stay safe.
@@PeterHalil Hi, thank you, wow that's interesting. That's a good idea with the taking notes about the fog horns, that's far more professional than thinking one will remember and then being stuck! It's a bit different on the railways where I work - signallers (formerly: signalmen) have to know each signalbox (or workstation, since it's all computerized now) that they work, though regular staff will only work at one signalbox or one to three workstations. Relief staff have to know each signalbox/workstation that they cover. Train drivers and guards have to know the road, ie all routes that they work over. They also have to know the units or locomotives they work. In the ticket offices however, relief staff can be sent to a location they haven't worked before. Thank you, stay safe too!
Hi Tim, It would have been stripped down to as many bits that could be manoeuvred through the doorways and up the spiral stairs. Also, it would have had to go out by boat, in those days, and up the winch! cheers and stay safe. Glad you liked it
Hi Peter, fascinating as always I was just wondering if the removal of the lightning rod after the helipad was added caused a problem for the tower. Did you ever experience a lightning strike while stationed on a rock?
Hi Scott, I know nothing about removal of lightning rods, and I've never been out on a rock and been struck by lightning. However, I have been on a Land light, looking out of the window, when that got struck! Lots of alarms and craziness for a while. Cheers
Hi Peter, I'm never sure if my video camera amplifies the engine sounds or not as it never sounded that loud to us at the time. It was always a background noise until you went past or into the engine room, cheers
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too … You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!! 12:57 on 27/01/2023
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too … You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!!
Just found your very kind comments from a year ago!, Sorry for that, but I don't seem to get every notification from You Tube, so must miss loads, sorry. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers and take care.
Peter, I am absolutely enthralled by your records of lighthouse lifestyle. Funny to think how easily this history could have been lost.
As a 30 year old who has only ever liven in massive, sprawling, urban labyrinths, these videos take me to a world I can usually only fantasize about. Being encased in a stone tower, perched on the edge of nowhere. On the edge of darkness. A literal beacon of light for those looking for their way. I can't tell you how much I wish I could have been there.
I love to cook. Maintain equipment. Observe. To help guide travelers. And above all, I love the sea. In a different age, it would have been something I would have loved to try.
A warmly lit room, the television dimly flickering, food cooking at the stove, all while a storm rages outside with 60 foot waves crashing against the stone monolith. A radio flickering in and out as requests for weather updates undoubtedly come in frequently during these times. All while playing a casual board game and discussing anything that could come to mind.
I love Star Trek, and was extremely happy to see it come on during one of your videos! There's something very "Science-fiction" about being a lighthouse keeper. Something about actually living in that remote, deadly environment, but being so comfortable and well stocked, is fascinating. Almost like a ship in space. To watch TV while having a drink, and to look out the window to a storm that could capsize the most sturdy tankers. Well. That does something to my brain that makes it feel very nice.
Another keeper in one of your videos said something to the effect of: "When you're here, you don't move through time. Time moves around you". As if the keepers' time is on hold by the universe, while the rest of the world continues its bustle. I very much believe that to be true.
Sorry for the long comment. I just really enjoy your videos, and lament the end of the keeper.
Sometimes, early in the morning when I wake up in bed, I pretend my apartment is a lighthouse. I imagine I can hear the surf crashing against the base of the tower. The seagulls squawking. Blowing wind and the clean smell of salt in the air. All while the faithful engine bellows away. Not a worry in the world...
And then some asshole honks their horn outside my window. Lol.
Thanks Peter! Keep uploading as much of this stuff as you can! Even the stuff you think might be boring! We love it all ! :)
WOW! Thank you so very much for your poetic ramble, you nailed it. That was pretty much how some of us Keepers felt, it's a life that I must admit, I do miss, but at least I can be back there in a flash whilst editing. Yes time is a strange concept when you are out there, and it does often seem like you are in another world and time zone. Thanks again and stay safe.
You spoke exactly how I feel to 🤯 💙🚢
What an outstanding comment and thanks for allowing us the insight into your psyche…I share many of the same sentiments and would often wonder during a long night at sea (I spent 9 years as a navigator in the RN) how different in times past that lifestyle was…
@@Housey1985 Thank you very much, much appreciated. I also wish that in the inevitable push with progress, that we don't destroy our past in the rush. Thanks again, stay safe.
Nothing I can add other than I absolutely get this feeling too. What a beautiful comment.
Anyone else come back to peters vids repeatedly. I love them
Thank you very much, glad my videos found you. Cheers and stay safe.
Yes, I do come back. First visited in 2020 (or so).
Peter what a way of life. I would of loved to been in the era of the light house keepers.. Sad to see all that lovely wood work ripped out.. The curve doors with glass.. And the banna bunks look grate.. Thank you so much for capturing thd light house before the big rip out💔💪🇧🇲
Thank you, the bedroom I believe is still as it was when filmed, until somebody that has been out there tells us different. Stay safe
Such a majestic lighthouse. Thanks Peter for capturing the moment. I dont think I could make it up to the front door!! The climb must have been perilous on a nice day lol.
Thank you, and I was lucky in as much as I only did that climb once. The ride on the winch was OK, it's just that I'm not brilliant with heights, so clinging to those dog steps and climbing tends to concentrate the moment a tad. Cheers and take care
Brilliant video I can’t believe there is an actual fully working kitchen and living room and an actual flushing toilet lol absolutely brilliant apart from the noise (don’t know how the keepers get sleeping lol😂) wld love to go in it to see everything for myself 😮 27/1/2023 at 12:52pm hours
Thank you Mark, for the kind words. Yes the noise out there never quite goes away, but we managed to push it into the background. Well, till the fog rolled in. Cheers and stay safe.
Wonderful to watch on a Sunday morning. Thanks again Peter Halil.
Excellent thank you for uploading photos this film very interesting
Thank you very much, appreciated, take care and stay safe
Great to see this "redone" version Peter. You probably remember why I am interested in these Rock Lighthouses! If not I can remind you! My ancestors would be glad their "old girls" are still out there and working well. I told you before how I respectfully turned down Trinity House's offer of a transfer via THAT METHOD!! Keep up the good work Peter.
Hi Nick, Yes you did Ha! Yes all those monster storms we've been having that are flattening modern structures ashore, and your "Ancestors" efforts out to sea are just shaking them off, brilliant! Stay safe Mate, take care
@@PeterHalil Yes- amazing that they're all still there isn't it! YOU STAY SAFE and look after YOURSELF TOO Peter!!
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too …
You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!! 12:57 on 27/01/2023
Looked like a fresh old day, thanks Peter.
thank you, yes it was cheers, and very busy. Stay safe
@@PeterHalil wonder if I was at sea that day, funny to think
Peter, as an M&E geek this floats my boat so much, and yet nobody at the Science Museum or the IET has ever got back to me on archiving ideas, despite several prods. l'll have another go with IMechE and another prospect. I'm deeply sorry my efforts have so far not produced any better solution than UA-cam! Keep up the great work. Rgds, Phil
Cheers Phil, and yes I found it an uphill struggle too as nobody seemed interested. Thanks again for your efforts, take care.
@@PeterHalil Hi, I find IMechE's archivist Lucy Bonner did respond late last year, saying had you considered Trinity House archives. I sense some acrimony there on your part; I'm happy to keep chipping away on your behalf as you prefer, whether an institution, the National Film Archive or whatever. Let me know thoughts on Trinity House and I'll act as required. Rgds, Phil.
@@philhealey449 Thanks for your efforts Phil but I shall find somewhere sometime in the future, thanks. As for Trinity House, whom I worked for, they weren't interested at the time I asked, perhaps I should ask again in the future, especially if they have noticed all the messages of support from around the World. Thanks again for trying, but no need to carry on. Cheers Mate and take care
@@PeterHalil Trinity House do seem commercialized, like everything else that went bellyside up under Mrs T in the 1990s . I would say they ought to be a good fit as the little there is on their website does cover both people and the technical, but I recall you said they were awkward on wanting copyright. The way the world is now, I guess if YT evaporates then we will all have bigger worries also !
@@philhealey449 Cheers Phil, but it wasn't Trinity that wanted copyright it was the Maritime museum, Trinity, at the time were not interested.
Another superb video from you sir! It was a job I always wanted to do but automation got there first. My Uncle was a lighthouse keeper in the Langness Lighthouse on the Isle of Man and I just loved going into the lighthouse when he was working. I loved the smell of the place.
Sorry you missed out on following in your Uncles footsteps. Take care and stay safe
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too …
You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!!
Hi Mark, Thanks for that. Yes, at times it was like living in another world, with most things just passing us by. Take care.
Excellent
Thank you, you take care and stay safe
Outstanding as always. The sea transfers, were they exciting or more in the 'concerned' area? I assume Trinity House got 100% on their transfers.
Hi Bender, I only did the sea transfer once, and I guess, apprehensive would be about right. It's a case of the other guys know what they are doing, and in my case, it wasn't a rough day. I was only concerned on the set off and climbing the dog steps, cheers, thanks for the kind words. stay safe
These videos are iconic. Thank you so much for preserving history on film like this. It makes me sad that these lights are now automated (and LED lamps don’t cast light as far as incandescent - I know that’s been an issue for Irish lighthouses, as well as the colour and ‘loom’ of the beam being lacking). I could’ve wept at hearing that enormous fresnel lens was taken apart, although at least they kept the top part. Progress is often uncomfortable, I suppose, but it still makes me sad.
Speaking of uncomfortable, wouldn’t you have to sleep on only one side in those bunks, to conform to the curve of the bed? The whole lighthouse setup would be fantastic if you were happy to be alone for long periods, but sharing such a small space with at least two other people (and the sound of the engine constantly) would be very hard going, for me at least. You must have the patience of a saint at times!
Finally, thank you so much for the views of the base of the lighthouse, taken from the safety net on the helipad. It’s such a beautiful and relaxing view, although I know it wasn’t for you, having to be out on the safety netting (at least it wasn’t in a storm in this video)! You could string the various lighthouses’ sea shots from the helipad together and make a relaxation video, you’d make a killing!
Thank you again for all of this. The engineering is breathtaking in its complexity, and the beauty of it all is stunning. So much important history that not enough people know about!
Thank you very much for your kind comments. If you were a 6 foot plus person, you would have problems in a curved bunk. The noise, was just a constant background, you even got used to the fog horn, eventually!
The Led's seem to have gotten a lot brighter, but yes, I too miss the lighthouse beams of light.
In the not too distant past, it wasn't unheard of, to throw great big lenses into the sea instead of bringing them ashore to a museum, not by the keepers though. In my Trevose lighthouse video coming up in about 4 weeks or so, you see the destruction of a beautiful engine room under the guise of progress when the place was automated.
I bet you could sleep on either side, but you might have to flip head to toe to have room!
@@rescdsk Exactly Thomas, but I could happily twist and turn all night, with no problems. Cheers and stay safe
By the way did I tell you I found the gold "turnip" watch that my ancestor William Douglass was wearing when he fell into the sea from halfway up the Bishop once? Doesn't work any more on account of the salt water which is a shame. He escaped injury as his fall was broken by a wave fortuitously!
Hi Nick, no you didn't, grief, he was so very lucky! Isn't there anywhere that the watch can be restored? What a brilliant treasure to have from your ancestor. That's a hell of a long way to fall and survive it, cheers and stay safe
@@PeterHalil I will have to see if I can get that watch restored to working order certainly Peter! I DO ALSO have another one of the Douglass family one's which DOES still work however which is some consolation ! Take care too mate.
Splendid as always! Intrigued by the 'piss pots'. Presumably they were emptied overboard, but how did the keepers prevent blow-back?
Hi Duncan, yes they were emptied out the window, but most Keepers were aware of the wind direction. It would have been one of the morning jobs to bleach them as well, cheers, stay safe
Thanks so much for showing us around this very historic lighthouse. The info sheet you show at the end says it was only electrified in 1973. That seems quite incredible. I assume most other lights were electric well before this time??
Hi, As far as I recall, other lights were electrified earlier but some really dragged on as can be seen with a lot of the equipment seen in my videos. Thanks for your comments, stay safe
It's like a Uboat but pointing upwards.
It certainly felt like that at times. Cheers and stay safe
@@PeterHalil Thank you for documenting and sharing your videos.
thanks once again, enjoyed that. I guess these places are quite earie these days now they are not manned any more. Sad really. How do they power the lighthouses these days, I ask because if there was a generator running constantly who services them and how often? Are the lighthouses less reliable now?
Hi Richard I have a feeling that they have all gone solar by now as that was the way that Trinity House was heading, cheers.
Hi Peter, thanks for another really facinating video.
How many hours sleep were you allowed,at any one shift.
A very exposed lighthouse, stuck in middle of sea, compared to some you have showed us round.
Amazing life though.
take care, Peter
Hi June, Thankyou for your comments. Sleep!, OK, The shifts were basically 0400am till mid day, where most of the cleaning and work was done. You were then back on at 8pm till mid night so you had the afternoon in bed before the 8pm shift.
Next day, you were on mid day (12 noon) till 8pm then back on at midnight till 4 am the next morning, you would also have a few hours in bed from after 8pm till your midnight shift. Then it was your so called day off, but if you had to work the boat, or in my day, the helicopter (for fuel & water) then everybody worked. So it was an endless cycle of shifts and sleep in between, but it wasn't as hard or bad as it sounds in print, jut the adjusting period at the beginning and at the end when you got home, cheers and stay safe.
Very good videos!
Thank you very much, cheers and stay safe
Hi Peter another great upload.
1) When working on the lighthouse did you hear the constant noise of the generators where ever you were on the lighthouse?
2) why did they remove the top half of the lens?
Take care and kind regards.
Hi Mickey, The engine noise was always there, but it was just background noise unless you got closer to the engine room level.
I have no idea why they removed the top half of the lens, unless it was something to do with getting rid of a lot of excess weight for the solar stuff to still be able to turn the lens? I'm afraid, us Keepers weren't in the loop for a lot of what they did, cheers.
Maybe somebody out there that does know, will enlighten us? Take care
@@PeterHalil
Thank you Peter.
Look forward to the next upload.Hopefully a friend of mine who has a boat moored in Newhaven will take me round the Royal Sovereign light tower this summer before they start to dismantle it.Many thanks again.
Peter, yet another question on heating and cooking! What did they use before propane and electric cookers on Bishops Rock? Presumably coal fired ranges? Thank you once again for an interesting and informative film. Ps what is the state of the interior now it's been fully automated for 30 years? Still have kitchens and beds for maintenance staff?
You’re right, coal fired ranges!
Hi David, They would have had the old coal or coke fired ranges to cook on which also gave out ambient heat for the tower. As for the interior now, It retained the bedroom and kitchen for visiting technicians etc but no idea of the state with nobody living there permanently, cheers
@@PeterHalil which leads to ......where did these exhaust to? My coal fire is temperamental with wind changes.... in a tower that would be a challenge to manage I would guess? I noticed one of your Wales lighthouse ( think it is a heritage building now) videos had a Victorian range but that was effectively a house with a tower above?
@@davidstone5317 Hopefully a Keeper that was on in the days that they had the ranges may answer that one as I was only on the Needles a couple of times which had a range, and I can't remember where it exhausted too. I seem to recall that the chimneys went up through the tower and exited at the top (before helicopter platforms) as lots of interviews from the older keepers mention that if they have to start sounding for fog (explosive fog contraption up top) they had to make sure that the ranges were shut down (damper on) as the 1st blast, swept the chimney and flooded the kitchen in soot!
@@PeterHalil I shouldn’t laugh, but that sounds like a classic comedy sketch right there! Absolutely not funny if it actually happened to you though, I should imagine!
Great Video as usual Peter.. Hope this comment finds you safe and well.
Thank you very much, and yes I'm still in the land of the living and kept very busy with our 2 grand children that we baby sit a few days of the week. Cheers Mate, you stay safe too
@@PeterHalil lol. Bless you mate. Yeah I have a 5 year old granddaughter that keeps me very busy 😂 Glad alls well with you. Tc
So fascinating! That was a brilliant idea to film in the lighthouses before they got automated!
Did you have to know a lighthouse before you could work there, or could you get sent to a tower that you have never been to before?
Hi, We were quite often thrown in at the deep end when being posted. You could arrive at your new lighthouse and find yourself on watch straight away! Luckily though, you were given a quick run down on what to do, plus a thorough going over the next morning. I used to take plenty of notes for the fog horn start ups, as they were the trickiest to master. Basically, all lighthouses were similar and very different at the same time. Cheers and stay safe.
@@PeterHalil Hi, thank you, wow that's interesting. That's a good idea with the taking notes about the fog horns, that's far more professional than thinking one will remember and then being stuck!
It's a bit different on the railways where I work - signallers (formerly: signalmen) have to know each signalbox (or workstation, since it's all computerized now) that they work, though regular staff will only work at one signalbox or one to three workstations. Relief staff have to know each signalbox/workstation that they cover.
Train drivers and guards have to know the road, ie all routes that they work over. They also have to know the units or locomotives they work.
In the ticket offices however, relief staff can be sent to a location they haven't worked before.
Thank you, stay safe too!
Absolutely fascinating.
I have a question, how on earth did they get those engines in and out?
Hi Tim, It would have been stripped down to as many bits that could be manoeuvred through the doorways and up the spiral stairs. Also, it would have had to go out by boat, in those days, and up the winch! cheers and stay safe. Glad you liked it
Hi Peter, fascinating as always
I was just wondering if the removal of the lightning rod after the helipad was added caused a problem for the tower. Did you ever experience a lightning strike while stationed on a rock?
Hi Scott, I know nothing about removal of lightning rods, and I've never been out on a rock and been struck by lightning. However, I have been on a Land light, looking out of the window, when that got struck! Lots of alarms and craziness for a while. Cheers
Nice impression Peter. What a huge noise day and night! Don't you have hearing problems now?
Hi Peter, I'm never sure if my video camera amplifies the engine sounds or not as it never sounded that loud to us at the time. It was always a background noise until you went past or into the engine room, cheers
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too …
You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!! 12:57 on 27/01/2023
Couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen watching that video and that helipad (whoa) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean too …
You don’t realise all this is going on in that lighthouse the keepers I mean whilst I’m sitting in my house in a wee village lol 😂 enjoyed every bit of that video keep it up Peter !!!!!
Just found your very kind comments from a year ago!, Sorry for that, but I don't seem to get every notification from You Tube, so must miss loads, sorry. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers and take care.