Name and Location

The Round Island Lighthouse, also known as The Round Tower, is located on the picturesque Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall, England.

Construction and History

Built in 1849, the lighthouse was designed by British architect Thomas Fullerton. It has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the English Channel for over 170 years.

Architecture and Materials

The Round Island Lighthouse is a 16-meter (52-foot) tall, cylindrical tower made of granite and rubblestone. Its unique architecture features a round, tapering shape, which provides excellent visibility from a distance. The structure's foundation is built on solid rock, ensuring stability in the face of harsh weather conditions.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse boasts a distinctive light characteristic, featuring a flash every 15 seconds (Fl(3)W.15s). The light source is powered by electricity, and its focal height stands at approximately 54 meters (177 feet) above sea level.

Accessibility and Visiting

While the lighthouse no longer serves as an active aid to navigation, it has been converted into a museum and tourist attraction. Visitors can access the site via boat or helicopter from the Isles of Scilly airport. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the island's rugged coastline and the open sea.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the island's rugged coastline and the open sea.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• The Round Island Lighthouse holds a special place in local folklore, as it has been the subject of numerous stories and legends over the years. One notable event occurred in 1918, when a German U-boat was spotted offshore, prompting the lighthouse's foghorn to sound an alarm, warning nearby ships of potential danger.

Technical and Operational Details

There are no technical or operational details available for this lighthouse.

Further Information

For those interested in visiting the site, opening hours are typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with guided tours available. On-site facilities include a museum shop and picnic areas. For more information or to book a visit, please contact the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.