The base of the tower, the diameter of which is 47 feet, is solid to a height of 48 feet, except for a central circular space for storing drinking water. It was designed by Sir Thomas Matthews, M.I.C.E., the Engineer-in-Chief to the Trinity Brethren, and is a graceful building, the tower rising in a curve which is described as a “concave elliptic frustum.” From the base to the lantern gallery is 123½ feet, and 3,660 tons of Cornish granite were used in its construction. The over-all height to the top of the lantern is 153 feet. The building is provided with eight floors, comprising the living and sleeping quarters for the keepers, storage of oil, and other necessaries. The light, of the dioptric order, is of 83,000 candle-power, and the two white flashes given every fifteen seconds are distinguishable for a distance of seventeen miles, which is the average range of modern British lighthouses. Although the constructional work was frequently interrupted by rough weather, every advantage was taken of calm periods. While from the point of daring engineering it does not compare with many of the other great lights of the world, yet it certainly ranks as a fine example of the lighthouse builder’s skill. Owing to the elaborate precautions observed, the achievement was not marred by a single fatality, although there were many thrilling moments, the sole result of which, however, was the loss of tools and sections of the plant, which in the majority of cases were recovered when the tide fell. The most serious accident was a crushed toe, which befell one of the masons when a stone was being bedded.