Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse was built in 1846 by Cottam and Hallen of Cornwall Road, Lambeth.

History

• The optic consists of a Fresnel lens from 1904 revolving on steel bearings.
• The lighthouse has 185 steps leading to the top in eight flights.

Architecture

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse stands on one of the highest hills on Bermuda and has a total height of 36 meters (108 feet).

• The focal plane is located at 354 feet (108 meters) above sea level, allowing it to be visible from over 100 miles away.

Light Characteristics

The light's characteristics include a flashing pattern of Fl (first order), with a range of 26 nautical miles and a colour of white.

• The light is powered by electricity, which was automated in June 1964 after being manually operated for most of its history.

Current Status

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, operated by the Bermuda Department of Marine and Ports Services.

• However, it has undergone several restorations over the years, including a major repair in 2004 that replaced the mercury-based lens support with steel bearings.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is located on Gibbs Hill Road in St. Anne's Parish, Bermuda.

• Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby Lighthouse Tea Room, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
• The lighthouse also features a radar antenna for marine shipping, installed in 1987.

Heritage Status

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is listed as a National Historic Landmark in Bermuda, recognizing its importance as one of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses on the island.

Notable Historical Events

• In September 2003, Hurricane Fabian caused significant damage to the tower, including oscillation that put the light out of operation.
• In 1987, a new radar antenna was installed atop the lighthouse, supported on a steel space frame fixed at the original bolt locations.

Visiting Information

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is open to visitors daily, with guided tours available.

• Visitors can ascend the 185 steps to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of Bermuda's coastline and surrounding landscape.