Name and Location

Smalls Lighthouse is an active offshore sea light located in the Irish Sea, approximately 20 nautical miles (37 km) west of St Davids Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The official name is Smalls Lighthouse, with a local nickname of "The Smalls".

Construction and History

The first lighthouse was built on Smalls reef between 1775 and 1776, designed by Henry Welch or John Smeaton (records vary). The current granite tower was erected under Trinity House engineer James Douglass between 1857 and 1861. In 1987, the light was converted to unmanned automated operation.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a tapering cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern, in the classical lighthouse tradition of mid-Victorian Britain. The materials used are interlocking Cornish granite blocks, cast-iron lantern room, and wrought-iron balcony. The tower height is 41 meters (134 ft) above base, and the focal plane is approximately 50 meters (164 ft) above mean sea level.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is Fl (2) W 15 s, with a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (33 km). The optic is a single-tier Fresnel lens (fourth order), rotating on mercury bearings. Power source is solar-charged batteries driving an LED beacon. An AIS transponder is also present for maritime safety broadcasts.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the public due to its offshore location and exposed reef environment. Landing is only possible by tender in calm seas or by helicopter winch with special permission required.

Notable Views and Landscape

• The surrounding environment features an exposed rocky reef with strong tides, frequent seabirds (gulls, cormorants) resting on the tower, and marine mammals (seals, porpoises) often spotted in the vicinity.
• Nearby attractions onshore include Skomer Island (bird reserve), Marloes Sands, St Davids city and cathedral.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Early keepers made landfall in perilous conditions; one survivor account from 1790 survives in Trinity House archives. The 1861 foundation design pioneered by Douglass influenced later lighthouses on Wolf Rock and Skerryvore. During World War II, the light was dimmed to avoid enemy detection, with keepers operating blackout curtains.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by Trinity House, with a regional engineering depot in Penzance. The light was automated and monitored remotely by Trinity House operations centre in Harwich, Essex. Backup generator and battery banks are housed in lower tower chambers.

Further Information

For further information, visit the Trinity House official site (https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses-and-lightvessels/smalls-lighthouse) or consult Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smalls_Lighthouse).