the chisel with considerable labour from some obdurated material, the
whole apparently consisting of one oblong chamber not exceeding a few
yards in length.
“Of the well, however, not a trace was left, though its existence was
proved beyond a shadow of doubt a few years ago by a party who landed
and at length succeeded in detecting the spot, from whence, after
removing a quantity of sand and loose stone, again gushed the fountain
of water in its pristine vigour and doubtless inherent virtues.”
There was at one time a chapel of S. Ffraid or Brigid on an islet where
according to legend she disembarked from Ireland. This was not the
Brigid of Kildare, but a namesake. The story goes that being unable to
find a boat to serve her purpose, she cut a sod of turf, threw it into
the sea, stepped on it, and was carried across. The turf lodged on this
hump of rock, and became fast there. But the wintry waves have eaten
away the isle, chewed up the turf, and torn down the chapel walls.
The breakwater of Holyhead is a stupendous achievement. It is about a
mile and a half long, and has a lighthouse at the extremity. On the
Skerries also, some seven miles north, is another lighthouse, and the
Government had to buy it from the owner, a Mr. Jones, for the sum of
£444,984.
The old Government pier had already cost a million and a half of money,
but it was abandoned when the London and North Western Railway Company
undertook the construction of the new pier. The new harbour has a water
area of twenty-four acres.
[Illustration: SOUTH STACK BRIDGE]
Every visitor to Holyhead makes a point of going to the South Stack,
just under four miles from the town. Cliffe thus describes it:--
“At first you feel disappointed, and it is not until you descend that
you become impressed with the grandeur of the scenery. At the foot of
the formidable stairs, 380 in number, you arrive at the entrance of
a light suspension bridge. For some years after the lighthouse was
erected (1809) the only means of access across the chasm was by a
rope and basket; then a bridge of ropes was made, but the risk was so
great that a chain bridge became necessary. After crossing the bridge
you can descend to look at a vast fissure in the islet, and wonder,
if the day be stormy, how the boats fared that conveyed the materials
for the lighthouse to that rugged and perilous spot, where the surge
of the sea is awe-inspiring. The sea in south-westerly gales often
dashes over the dwellings of the lightkeepers, when the scene is truly
sublime.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account