Hartland Point
|
Introduction Referred to by Ptolemy of Alexandria in Roman times as 'Hercules Promontory', Hartland Point is the name most familiar to visitors coming to Hartland. HM Coastguard Station at the Point has so frequently been in the news over the years, though the Coastguards are no longer present. In 1983 they were moved to the edge of Hartland and were completely at the end of 1988 - cover for the area being transferred to Swansea. The Hartland Company of Coastguard Auxiliaries still continue the excellent tradition of volunteer service which began a hundred years ago and which has seen them awarded the Ministry of Transport Shield for the Best Wreck Service of the Year on two occasions. A vehicle patrol of the coastline is made at weekends and in bad weather conditions. Hartland Point Lighthouse marks the gateway to St George's Channel and the Irish Sea. There are excellent views up and down the rugged north coast from Hartland Point and you can access the beach, where the remains of ship wrecks can be seen. Despite the lighthouse, the wrecks prove that even with warnings the sea can claim ships and lives.
Hartland Point Lighthouse Perched below 350ft high Hartland Point, the lighthouse was erected in 1874. It seems the surveyor was unable to get anywhere near the site and had to make his plans from observations and measurements taken from a ship at sea. Two years before the lighthouse was built, a road was cut along the cliff on the north side. |
|
The Lighthouse has a beam that is visible for twenty six miles out to sea. For over a hundred years, the light was tended by a staff of three keepers, living with their families in accommodation adjoining the Lighthouse. In 1983 - the light completely automated - the keepers were withdrawn and their quarters demolished to make room for a helicopter landing site.
|
|
Page last updated: 24 July 2004