BOOK II.THE SCIENCE OF LIGHTHOUSES.CHAPTER I.HOW THEY ARE ADMINISTERED.FFromantiquity we return to our own time, with the view of examining the present condition of our coast-defences, so far as they include the lighthouse, the lightship, the beacon, and the buoy.To England belongs the praise, among modern nations, of having first understood all the importance of lighthouses, and of having made their erection, mode of illumination, and maintenance, a matter of national concern.The direction of the Imperial lighthouses is confided to three Boards—one for each of the three kingdoms:—1st, TheCorporation of the Trinity House of Deptford Strand, who possess the control of all the English lighthouses;—2nd, TheCorporation of the Commissioners of NorthernLights, to whom is intrusted the management of the lighthouses of Scotland; and,—3rd, TheCorporation for Preserving and Improving the Port of Dublin, who administer the coast-illumination of Ireland.The history of theTrinity Houseis but imperfectly known, owing to the destruction of a considerable portion of its archives by fire in 1714. It was founded by a charter of Henry VIII.—who may almost be called the Father of English Navigation—on the 20th of March 1512, and received the appellation of the “Brotherhood of the Trinity House of Deptford of Strand and St. Clement,” This document opens with a curious declaration:—“Out of the sincere and complete love and devotion which we have for the very glorious and indivisible Trinity, and also for Saint Clement the Confessor, His Majesty grants and gives license for the establishment of a corporation, or perpetual brotherhood, to certain of his subjects and their associates, men or women.”At the outset, the duty of the members of the guild seems simply to have been to pray for the souls of sailors drowned at sea, and for the lives of those who were battling against the tempest. After a while their functions increased in number, and, assuredly, in importance. The charters which they received from Elizabeth, James I., Charles II., and James II., placed in their hands the general control of the mercantile marine, and even, under certain conditions, of the royal fleet. The illumination of dangerous parts of the English coast necessarily became a portion of their mission of patriotic beneficence. But thereader must not suppose that no lighthouses burned along our shores until the Trinity House was established. Rude signal-lights and beacon-fires already blazed on rocky headlands, and at the mouths of the ports most frequented by our shipping; but a greater number of lighthouses became necessary, and on a more perfect system of organization, as English commerce in the seventeenth century assumed its extraordinary development.But this was not all. The constructors of private lights and beacons were not animated by a pure unadulterated zeal for the public welfare; they levied excessive tolls on the vessels which profited by their guiding rays. To erect and maintain a lighthouse constituted an industry of so profitable a character that the privileges in virtue of which they existed, and which were nearly all found in the hands of the Trinity House, excited a very widespread feeling of jealousy and discontent. The legislation which had taken place on this subject was rigorously examined, and as a result these privileges disappeared. This important discovery was made in the reign of James I. The king found himself specially interested in making it; for, by its return to the crown, the monopoly of licensing the erection of lighthouses would have largely increased his private income.The pretensions put forward by James I. greatly embarrassed the judges charged with the examination of the rights of the Trinity House; and the inquiry might have lasted for years had it not been abruptly concluded, after our English fashion, by a compromise. It was decided that the fraternity of the Trinity House should beauthorized to erect lighthouses, but that the crown should enjoy the same privilege in virtue of the common law. From this decision it naturally came to pass that, instead of remaining, as Elizabeth had designed, the exclusive property of the Trinity House, the lease and monopoly of the fires lighted on the coasts were granted or sold by the sovereign to certain private individuals.As a result of this decision, says M. Esquiros, in his lively manner, there was not a bare and desolate angle of rock in the kingdom which was not coveted by speculators as a site for a tower and a beacon-fire. Lord Grenville, an able statesman and shrewd man of the world, wrote in his diary in the form of a note or memorandum: “Mem.To watch the moment when the King is in a good temper, to ask of him a lighthouse.” It would be difficult to estimate the amount realized by those persons whom the king favoured with such marks of his goodwill; but from the luxurious state they maintained it is evident their profits must have been immense.We may readily conjecture the evil results of such a system. Many of the lights were deficient in power; others were never kindled; yet in every case heavy tolls were exacted from passing vessels. At length the scandal grew intolerable, and in the reign of William IV. Parliament interfered to establish a certain uniformity in the administration of lighthouses, and to provide for a considerable reduction of the dues. All the interests of the Crown were made over to the Trinity House, which, moreover, was empowered to buy up the lighthouses belonging to private individuals; and the Corporationhaving always acted with singular zeal, efficiency, and public spirit, the system of our coast-defences has gradually attained to a remarkable degree of completeness.A word or two may now be said on the interior organization of the Trinity House. It includes two bodies of associates: theElder, and theYounger Brothers. At first no such distinction existed; but the pretext put forward to justify the exclusion of the Younger Brethren from sharing in the conduct of the Society was, that they showed too much fervour at its meetings. The Younger Brethren, now-a-days, are chosen by the Council on the motion of one of the Elder Brethren. Their number was formerly unlimited. It cannot be too large, say the ancient charters, because our seamen represent the strength of the nation. At the present time there are 360.The Elder Brethren, 31 in number, are chosen from the Younger. No one can offer himself as a candidate if he has not first undergone an examination, and served for at least four years as captain on board a Queen’s ship or a merchant-vessel. On his election he pays £30 as a contribution to the poor-box, and an equal sum for a complimentary dinner.The Elder Brethren, however, are divided into honorary and active members. From a very early period, the Company recognized the advantage of including in its ranks the most illustrious living Englishmen, even though they should in no wise be concerned with navigation. In 1673, the Bishop of Rochester, having preached before the Corporation on Trinity Thursday, was admitted a member. For seventeen years William Pitt occupiedthe honourable position of Master, which was afterwards filled by William IV., when Duke of Clarence. Wellington, Prince Albert, and Lord Palmerston, formerly belonged to the Corporation; and, at present, the Prince of Wales, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, and Earl Russell, are among its members, while the Duke of Edinburgh officiates as Master. These honorary members, limited to eleven, do not engage in the administrative duties of the Trinity House; but they add to its dignity, and serve to connect it with the highest classes of English society. In fact, it would be difficult to name an association which is more truly national in character.The twenty active members, on whom the real burden of the work of the Corporation rests, are experienced captains of men-of-war or merchant-ships, who have retired from service. They are formed into six committees, each of which has its separate functions; for, in addition to its superintendence of the lighting of our coasts, the Trinity Board examines our pilots, and delivers them their certificates; watches over the ballasting of ships in the Thames; establishes and keeps in order the various sea-marks; examines the scholars of Christ’s Hospital, who are intended for a maritime career; collects the revenues; and superintends the boarders in the houses of refuge which belong to the Corporation. Its charters, moreover, confer upon it the right of punishing seamen for mutiny, ill conduct, or desertion; but this power is now-a-days never exercised.The story of our two other Corporations may be briefly told. TheCommission of Northern Lights, incorporatedin 1786, by an Act of George III., is composed of two magistrates appointed by the Crown, of the sheriffs of the sea-board counties, of the provosts of certain royal burghs, and of the provost of Greenock.TheBoard of Ballast of Dublin, which has under its charge the lightage of the Irish coast, consists of merchants, bankers, magistrates, railway directors; and the only seaman associated with them is a coast-guard officer. It is subordinate to the Board of Trade.The Trinity House, Northern Lights, and Ballast Board are under the control of the Board of Trade. Before new lighthouses are erected by the Trinity House, they must be sanctioned by the Board of Trade; and before Scotch or Irish lighthouses are erected, the Trinity House are consulted, and in the event of that Board differing with the Irish or Scotch, the Board of Trade give their decision, which is final. It is to be regretted that there should still exist a considerable number of lighthouses which are under the control of about one hundred and seventy local authorities;[13]and every person who appreciates the importance of securing a vigorous and able administration will join us in expressing a hope that before long the lightage of the United Kingdom may form the subject of efficacious legislative action.The number and nature of the lights of the United Kingdom are as follows:—In England: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 237. Add 49 lightships—total, 286.In Scotland: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 134. Add 1 lightship—total, 135.In Ireland: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 85. Add 8 lightships—total, 93.The general result for the United Kingdom is, that we have 456 lighthouses, harbour lights, local lights, &c., and 58 lightships. Total, 514.We may compare these figures with those of the French lights.Coast-line of Englandmeasures 2405 nautical miles.Coast-line of Scotlandmeasures 4467 nautical miles.Coast-line of Irelandmeasures 2518 nautical miles.Coast-line of Francemeasures 2763 nautical miles.Now France has 224 lighthouses, but no floating lights. The proportion of lights to the coast-line is,[14]therefore, as follows:—In England1 to every 8½ miles (nearly).In Scotland1 to every 33 miles.In Ireland1 to every 27 miles.In France1 to every 12.3 miles.We may here explain the French system of administration, which, however, cannot be said to equal our own in efficiency or comprehensiveness, nor to surpass it ineconomy. At all events, the foregoing figures show that the English coast is far more numerously lighted than the French.The French system dates from the beginning of the present century, and is administered by the Department ofPonts et Chaussées, composed of naval officers, hydrographic engineers, members of the French Institute, and other persons acquainted with the sciences which bear upon navigation. The general direction of the service is committed to the Inspector-General of Ponts et Chaussées, who has under his orders a certain number of engineers, in each maritime district, charged with the supervision, construction, and administration of lighthouses. This board or directorate has its own manufactories in Paris, where experiments are tried with lighting apparatus, and where the artisan receives all the information necessary to guide him in the construction of every part of the apparatus, such as the calculation of angles, prisms, curves, lenses, and the like. One of the best results of this centralization is the economy it insures; the entire cost of the French service not exceeding £40,000 per annum. It may be added, that to France, as to the United States, belongs the praise of having looked upon the lightage of her coasts, not as a source of public or private revenue, but as a work of humanity. We trust that England, before any long period has elapsed, will abolish the tolls now levied upon shipping for the maintenance of her lighthouses. We admit that they have been considerably reduced; but they still remain a burden upon commerce, and a burden which commerce ought not to bear.TRINITY HOUSE.Let us now pay a visit to theTrinity House, in London, taking as our guide the shrewd and lively author of “The English at Home.”Opposite the Tower of London, he says, or, more strictly speaking, opposite the ancient fosses of that fortress, now converted into an agreeable promenade, extends a fine open area of green turf, edged round with shrubs; and, in the rear of this square, rises an edifice which seems purposedly to isolate itself from the noise of the multitude—it is the Trinity House.The abode of this important maritime Society was formerly situated in Water Lane, whence it was driven out by two successive conflagrations; otherwise, could any better choice be made than the immediate neighbourhood of the Thames, of the great docks, and of the forest of mastswhich crowds it for many miles, like the parks or plantations of great trees which surround at a distance the manorial mansions of the English aristocracy?The principal features of the edifice, erected in 1793 by James Wyatt, are, a massive basement, surmounted by a single story enriched with Doric columns and pilasters, the whole built of Portland stone. On the façade, numerous genii, which, with round faces and puffed-out cheeks, might be taken for so many cupids, hold in their hands anchors, compasses, and marine charts. These emblems, however, sufficiently indicate the character of the institution.The ground-floor in the interior is occupied by offices; the upper contains some noble apartments, to which admission can only be procured by special favour. A noble vestibule leads to a double staircase of stone, whose two branches, after ascending in different directions, unite in a central landing-place, enriched with ornaments and sculptures. On the right, in a semicircle described by the wall, is framed a large oil painting, by Gainsborough’s nephew, representing a body ofpast“Elder Brethren,” grouped together, and in uniform. On the left, in panels of glass, are inscribed the names of various benefactors of the establishment, and the amount of their bequests. Massive doors of mahogany introduce the visitor into the Board Room, whose ceiling, painted in 1796, by a French artist named Rigaud, and loaded with sprawling allegories, exhibits the Prosperity of England as springing from Navigation and Commerce. The British Neptune advances in triumph, surrounded by sea-horses, and attended by Tritons. In one hand he carries a trident, in theother the shield of the United Kingdom. His march is protected by cannons and other instruments of war, while genii hovering round him wave the standard of Great Britain. The standard may pass muster; but cannons! Is not this an abuse of anachronism even for a picture? On the other side, Britannia, seated on a rock, receives in her bosom the products of different countries. Sea nymphs, bending under their weight of riches, hasten from every quarter, and seamen spread upon the shores of England the fruits of an extended commerce. Children wave to and fro their torches in representation of the lights which encircle the coasts of the British Isles, and during the darkness of night direct the movements of her ships.The walls of this saloon are decorated with portraits of George IV., William IV., and their queens, for royalty itself is no stranger to the annals of the Trinity House, and monarchs honour themselves by figuring among the insignia of the fraternity of which they have been the members and the patrons. The Duke of Wellington’s portrait, by Lucas, is considered the best in existence of the Conqueror of Waterloo. The busts of the Queen and the late Prince Consort, in white marble, by Noble—one of the few living sculptors who have attained to celebrity in England—rest solemnly at the two corners of the mantelpiece. Twenty arm-chairs ranged round a large table shaped like a crescent, and covered with a green cloth, mark the places of the members of the Council at their various meetings. The associates of the Trinity House think, with Ben Jonson, that good repasts encourage brotherly feeling. The dining-room, lighted by a kindof circular lantern which surmounts the ceiling, displays what may very justly be called a quiet and substantial luxury. Here we may remark the bust of William Pitt, by Chantrey; portraits of the Earl of Sandwich, the Duke of Bedford, Sir Francis Drake, and, especially, that of Sir Kenelm Digby, by Vandyke. At regular intervals, some excellent models of lighthouses in relief, preserved under glass, remind the visitor of the all-important object of this ancient Corporation.The French Lighthouses Commission is not so splendidly lodged as the Trinity Board, nor is its Museum equal to the one at Edinburgh.[15]But, side by side with models of modern lighthouses, are models of the most ancient, from the ungainly tower whose summit was lit up with a rude fire of sea-coal, to the elegant edifice of the Héaux de Bréhat. It also contains numerous examples of all the catoptric or dioptric apparatus which are, or have been, in use, as well as specimens of clocks, buoys, and beacons. The Lighthouse Museum is, finally, the central depôt where experiments are conducted in reference to all the elements of maritime lightage, under the supreme direction of M. Emile Allard, the engineer-in-chief.
BOOK II.THE SCIENCE OF LIGHTHOUSES.
F
Fromantiquity we return to our own time, with the view of examining the present condition of our coast-defences, so far as they include the lighthouse, the lightship, the beacon, and the buoy.
To England belongs the praise, among modern nations, of having first understood all the importance of lighthouses, and of having made their erection, mode of illumination, and maintenance, a matter of national concern.
The direction of the Imperial lighthouses is confided to three Boards—one for each of the three kingdoms:—
1st, TheCorporation of the Trinity House of Deptford Strand, who possess the control of all the English lighthouses;—
2nd, TheCorporation of the Commissioners of NorthernLights, to whom is intrusted the management of the lighthouses of Scotland; and,—
3rd, TheCorporation for Preserving and Improving the Port of Dublin, who administer the coast-illumination of Ireland.
The history of theTrinity Houseis but imperfectly known, owing to the destruction of a considerable portion of its archives by fire in 1714. It was founded by a charter of Henry VIII.—who may almost be called the Father of English Navigation—on the 20th of March 1512, and received the appellation of the “Brotherhood of the Trinity House of Deptford of Strand and St. Clement,” This document opens with a curious declaration:—“Out of the sincere and complete love and devotion which we have for the very glorious and indivisible Trinity, and also for Saint Clement the Confessor, His Majesty grants and gives license for the establishment of a corporation, or perpetual brotherhood, to certain of his subjects and their associates, men or women.”
At the outset, the duty of the members of the guild seems simply to have been to pray for the souls of sailors drowned at sea, and for the lives of those who were battling against the tempest. After a while their functions increased in number, and, assuredly, in importance. The charters which they received from Elizabeth, James I., Charles II., and James II., placed in their hands the general control of the mercantile marine, and even, under certain conditions, of the royal fleet. The illumination of dangerous parts of the English coast necessarily became a portion of their mission of patriotic beneficence. But thereader must not suppose that no lighthouses burned along our shores until the Trinity House was established. Rude signal-lights and beacon-fires already blazed on rocky headlands, and at the mouths of the ports most frequented by our shipping; but a greater number of lighthouses became necessary, and on a more perfect system of organization, as English commerce in the seventeenth century assumed its extraordinary development.
But this was not all. The constructors of private lights and beacons were not animated by a pure unadulterated zeal for the public welfare; they levied excessive tolls on the vessels which profited by their guiding rays. To erect and maintain a lighthouse constituted an industry of so profitable a character that the privileges in virtue of which they existed, and which were nearly all found in the hands of the Trinity House, excited a very widespread feeling of jealousy and discontent. The legislation which had taken place on this subject was rigorously examined, and as a result these privileges disappeared. This important discovery was made in the reign of James I. The king found himself specially interested in making it; for, by its return to the crown, the monopoly of licensing the erection of lighthouses would have largely increased his private income.
The pretensions put forward by James I. greatly embarrassed the judges charged with the examination of the rights of the Trinity House; and the inquiry might have lasted for years had it not been abruptly concluded, after our English fashion, by a compromise. It was decided that the fraternity of the Trinity House should beauthorized to erect lighthouses, but that the crown should enjoy the same privilege in virtue of the common law. From this decision it naturally came to pass that, instead of remaining, as Elizabeth had designed, the exclusive property of the Trinity House, the lease and monopoly of the fires lighted on the coasts were granted or sold by the sovereign to certain private individuals.
As a result of this decision, says M. Esquiros, in his lively manner, there was not a bare and desolate angle of rock in the kingdom which was not coveted by speculators as a site for a tower and a beacon-fire. Lord Grenville, an able statesman and shrewd man of the world, wrote in his diary in the form of a note or memorandum: “Mem.To watch the moment when the King is in a good temper, to ask of him a lighthouse.” It would be difficult to estimate the amount realized by those persons whom the king favoured with such marks of his goodwill; but from the luxurious state they maintained it is evident their profits must have been immense.
We may readily conjecture the evil results of such a system. Many of the lights were deficient in power; others were never kindled; yet in every case heavy tolls were exacted from passing vessels. At length the scandal grew intolerable, and in the reign of William IV. Parliament interfered to establish a certain uniformity in the administration of lighthouses, and to provide for a considerable reduction of the dues. All the interests of the Crown were made over to the Trinity House, which, moreover, was empowered to buy up the lighthouses belonging to private individuals; and the Corporationhaving always acted with singular zeal, efficiency, and public spirit, the system of our coast-defences has gradually attained to a remarkable degree of completeness.
A word or two may now be said on the interior organization of the Trinity House. It includes two bodies of associates: theElder, and theYounger Brothers. At first no such distinction existed; but the pretext put forward to justify the exclusion of the Younger Brethren from sharing in the conduct of the Society was, that they showed too much fervour at its meetings. The Younger Brethren, now-a-days, are chosen by the Council on the motion of one of the Elder Brethren. Their number was formerly unlimited. It cannot be too large, say the ancient charters, because our seamen represent the strength of the nation. At the present time there are 360.
The Elder Brethren, 31 in number, are chosen from the Younger. No one can offer himself as a candidate if he has not first undergone an examination, and served for at least four years as captain on board a Queen’s ship or a merchant-vessel. On his election he pays £30 as a contribution to the poor-box, and an equal sum for a complimentary dinner.
The Elder Brethren, however, are divided into honorary and active members. From a very early period, the Company recognized the advantage of including in its ranks the most illustrious living Englishmen, even though they should in no wise be concerned with navigation. In 1673, the Bishop of Rochester, having preached before the Corporation on Trinity Thursday, was admitted a member. For seventeen years William Pitt occupiedthe honourable position of Master, which was afterwards filled by William IV., when Duke of Clarence. Wellington, Prince Albert, and Lord Palmerston, formerly belonged to the Corporation; and, at present, the Prince of Wales, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, and Earl Russell, are among its members, while the Duke of Edinburgh officiates as Master. These honorary members, limited to eleven, do not engage in the administrative duties of the Trinity House; but they add to its dignity, and serve to connect it with the highest classes of English society. In fact, it would be difficult to name an association which is more truly national in character.
The twenty active members, on whom the real burden of the work of the Corporation rests, are experienced captains of men-of-war or merchant-ships, who have retired from service. They are formed into six committees, each of which has its separate functions; for, in addition to its superintendence of the lighting of our coasts, the Trinity Board examines our pilots, and delivers them their certificates; watches over the ballasting of ships in the Thames; establishes and keeps in order the various sea-marks; examines the scholars of Christ’s Hospital, who are intended for a maritime career; collects the revenues; and superintends the boarders in the houses of refuge which belong to the Corporation. Its charters, moreover, confer upon it the right of punishing seamen for mutiny, ill conduct, or desertion; but this power is now-a-days never exercised.
The story of our two other Corporations may be briefly told. TheCommission of Northern Lights, incorporatedin 1786, by an Act of George III., is composed of two magistrates appointed by the Crown, of the sheriffs of the sea-board counties, of the provosts of certain royal burghs, and of the provost of Greenock.
TheBoard of Ballast of Dublin, which has under its charge the lightage of the Irish coast, consists of merchants, bankers, magistrates, railway directors; and the only seaman associated with them is a coast-guard officer. It is subordinate to the Board of Trade.
The Trinity House, Northern Lights, and Ballast Board are under the control of the Board of Trade. Before new lighthouses are erected by the Trinity House, they must be sanctioned by the Board of Trade; and before Scotch or Irish lighthouses are erected, the Trinity House are consulted, and in the event of that Board differing with the Irish or Scotch, the Board of Trade give their decision, which is final. It is to be regretted that there should still exist a considerable number of lighthouses which are under the control of about one hundred and seventy local authorities;[13]and every person who appreciates the importance of securing a vigorous and able administration will join us in expressing a hope that before long the lightage of the United Kingdom may form the subject of efficacious legislative action.
The number and nature of the lights of the United Kingdom are as follows:—
In England: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 237. Add 49 lightships—total, 286.In Scotland: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 134. Add 1 lightship—total, 135.In Ireland: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 85. Add 8 lightships—total, 93.
In England: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 237. Add 49 lightships—total, 286.
In Scotland: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 134. Add 1 lightship—total, 135.
In Ireland: lighthouses, lights on piers, harbour lights, &c., 85. Add 8 lightships—total, 93.
The general result for the United Kingdom is, that we have 456 lighthouses, harbour lights, local lights, &c., and 58 lightships. Total, 514.
We may compare these figures with those of the French lights.
Now France has 224 lighthouses, but no floating lights. The proportion of lights to the coast-line is,[14]therefore, as follows:—
We may here explain the French system of administration, which, however, cannot be said to equal our own in efficiency or comprehensiveness, nor to surpass it ineconomy. At all events, the foregoing figures show that the English coast is far more numerously lighted than the French.
The French system dates from the beginning of the present century, and is administered by the Department ofPonts et Chaussées, composed of naval officers, hydrographic engineers, members of the French Institute, and other persons acquainted with the sciences which bear upon navigation. The general direction of the service is committed to the Inspector-General of Ponts et Chaussées, who has under his orders a certain number of engineers, in each maritime district, charged with the supervision, construction, and administration of lighthouses. This board or directorate has its own manufactories in Paris, where experiments are tried with lighting apparatus, and where the artisan receives all the information necessary to guide him in the construction of every part of the apparatus, such as the calculation of angles, prisms, curves, lenses, and the like. One of the best results of this centralization is the economy it insures; the entire cost of the French service not exceeding £40,000 per annum. It may be added, that to France, as to the United States, belongs the praise of having looked upon the lightage of her coasts, not as a source of public or private revenue, but as a work of humanity. We trust that England, before any long period has elapsed, will abolish the tolls now levied upon shipping for the maintenance of her lighthouses. We admit that they have been considerably reduced; but they still remain a burden upon commerce, and a burden which commerce ought not to bear.
TRINITY HOUSE.
TRINITY HOUSE.
Let us now pay a visit to theTrinity House, in London, taking as our guide the shrewd and lively author of “The English at Home.”
Opposite the Tower of London, he says, or, more strictly speaking, opposite the ancient fosses of that fortress, now converted into an agreeable promenade, extends a fine open area of green turf, edged round with shrubs; and, in the rear of this square, rises an edifice which seems purposedly to isolate itself from the noise of the multitude—it is the Trinity House.
The abode of this important maritime Society was formerly situated in Water Lane, whence it was driven out by two successive conflagrations; otherwise, could any better choice be made than the immediate neighbourhood of the Thames, of the great docks, and of the forest of mastswhich crowds it for many miles, like the parks or plantations of great trees which surround at a distance the manorial mansions of the English aristocracy?
The principal features of the edifice, erected in 1793 by James Wyatt, are, a massive basement, surmounted by a single story enriched with Doric columns and pilasters, the whole built of Portland stone. On the façade, numerous genii, which, with round faces and puffed-out cheeks, might be taken for so many cupids, hold in their hands anchors, compasses, and marine charts. These emblems, however, sufficiently indicate the character of the institution.
The ground-floor in the interior is occupied by offices; the upper contains some noble apartments, to which admission can only be procured by special favour. A noble vestibule leads to a double staircase of stone, whose two branches, after ascending in different directions, unite in a central landing-place, enriched with ornaments and sculptures. On the right, in a semicircle described by the wall, is framed a large oil painting, by Gainsborough’s nephew, representing a body ofpast“Elder Brethren,” grouped together, and in uniform. On the left, in panels of glass, are inscribed the names of various benefactors of the establishment, and the amount of their bequests. Massive doors of mahogany introduce the visitor into the Board Room, whose ceiling, painted in 1796, by a French artist named Rigaud, and loaded with sprawling allegories, exhibits the Prosperity of England as springing from Navigation and Commerce. The British Neptune advances in triumph, surrounded by sea-horses, and attended by Tritons. In one hand he carries a trident, in theother the shield of the United Kingdom. His march is protected by cannons and other instruments of war, while genii hovering round him wave the standard of Great Britain. The standard may pass muster; but cannons! Is not this an abuse of anachronism even for a picture? On the other side, Britannia, seated on a rock, receives in her bosom the products of different countries. Sea nymphs, bending under their weight of riches, hasten from every quarter, and seamen spread upon the shores of England the fruits of an extended commerce. Children wave to and fro their torches in representation of the lights which encircle the coasts of the British Isles, and during the darkness of night direct the movements of her ships.
The walls of this saloon are decorated with portraits of George IV., William IV., and their queens, for royalty itself is no stranger to the annals of the Trinity House, and monarchs honour themselves by figuring among the insignia of the fraternity of which they have been the members and the patrons. The Duke of Wellington’s portrait, by Lucas, is considered the best in existence of the Conqueror of Waterloo. The busts of the Queen and the late Prince Consort, in white marble, by Noble—one of the few living sculptors who have attained to celebrity in England—rest solemnly at the two corners of the mantelpiece. Twenty arm-chairs ranged round a large table shaped like a crescent, and covered with a green cloth, mark the places of the members of the Council at their various meetings. The associates of the Trinity House think, with Ben Jonson, that good repasts encourage brotherly feeling. The dining-room, lighted by a kindof circular lantern which surmounts the ceiling, displays what may very justly be called a quiet and substantial luxury. Here we may remark the bust of William Pitt, by Chantrey; portraits of the Earl of Sandwich, the Duke of Bedford, Sir Francis Drake, and, especially, that of Sir Kenelm Digby, by Vandyke. At regular intervals, some excellent models of lighthouses in relief, preserved under glass, remind the visitor of the all-important object of this ancient Corporation.
The French Lighthouses Commission is not so splendidly lodged as the Trinity Board, nor is its Museum equal to the one at Edinburgh.[15]But, side by side with models of modern lighthouses, are models of the most ancient, from the ungainly tower whose summit was lit up with a rude fire of sea-coal, to the elegant edifice of the Héaux de Bréhat. It also contains numerous examples of all the catoptric or dioptric apparatus which are, or have been, in use, as well as specimens of clocks, buoys, and beacons. The Lighthouse Museum is, finally, the central depôt where experiments are conducted in reference to all the elements of maritime lightage, under the supreme direction of M. Emile Allard, the engineer-in-chief.