The South Devon CoastHarper, Charles G. (Charles George)
History
The South Devon Coast
Harper, Charles G. (Charles George)
Devon (England) -- Description and travel
flames, some molten lead had run down his throat. In the course of twelve
days he died, and his incredible story was proved by nearly eight ounces
of lead being found in his stomach. Incidentally, Lovett was ruined.
[Illustration: EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE.]
The third lighthouse was begun by the mortgagees of Lovett’s estate, in
June 1757. This was the famous stone structure designed and built by
Smeaton. Although the building was hindered by Smeaton’s men being every
now and again seized by the Press Gang, it was completed in October 1759,
and would probably still be standing except for the curious fact that the
rock it stood upon was showing signs of weakness. In 1807 the building
lease lapsed and the lighthouse became the property of the Trinity
House, when the tallow candles, which, up to that time had been the
sole illuminant, were exchanged for oil. A newer building, the existing
lighthouse, was decided upon in 1877, and built on an adjoining reef.
Begun in 1879, it was completed in 1882. It is circular, constructed of
Cornish granite, and rises to a height of 130 feet.
The streets of Plymouth and its sister towns are a good deal more crowded
than even those of London. It is among the busiest of places, and with
its vast naval dockyards at Devonport and Keyham, its military interests,
and its great commercial importance, is in a good many districts grim
and unlovely. The centre of Plymouth—the municipal centre—is, however,
strikingly beautiful, and is the outcome of a movement dating from
about 1867, having for its object the creation of a group of municipal
buildings worthy of a place with so long and stirring a history. What
the old Guildhall was like may still be seen, for it survives in the
dirty, dark and inconvenient building thought good enough for the Public
Library, though not for the town Councillors. It was a worthy and
brilliant idea to build a new group of Guildhall and offices for the
governance of the town; a majestic group that should harmonise with the
ancient Gothic church of St. Andrew, and form with it three sides of a
spacious square. The opening of the Guildhall took place in 1874, when
the then Prince of Wales performed the ceremony. The Great Hall, used for
concerts and public functions, is a noble building, with fine hammerbeam
roof, and an excellent range of beautiful stained-glass windows,
recounting in spirited and well-coloured designs the Departure from
Plymouth for France of the Black Prince, in 1355; the Breton raid upon
the town in 1404; the enquiry at Plympton Priory as to the incorporation
of Plymouth, 1440; the Landing of Katharine of Aragon, 1501; Captain
Fleming announcing the Armada in sight, 1588; Drake inaugurating
the Water Supply, 1592; the Arrest of Raleigh, 1618; Sailing of the
_Mayflower_, 1620; Final Repulse of the Royalists from the town, 1643;
Proclamation of William of Orange as King of England 1688; Cookworthy
and the Plymouth Club House, 1772; and Napoleon on the _Bellerophon_ at
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account