BBC - A History of the World - Object : Stevenson's Bell Rock Lighthouse Model

Robert Stevenson's Scale Model of the Bell Rock Lighthouse © Angus Council Cultural Services

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Original model of the oldest surviving sea washed lighthouse in the worldThe Bell Rock lighthouse is the oldest surviving sea-washed Lighthouse in the world and its method of construction was used by most of those that followed. It was one of the wonders of the age. This original model of Bell Rock Lighthouse was commissioned by its Engineer, Robert Stevenson, and carved from sandstone from the rock by one of the masons who worked on the construction. It is a powerful symbol of our engineering and seafaring heritage which connects us directly to the early 19th century and to the people who designed and constructed the Lighthouse.

The model remained in the Stevenson Family till 2007.

The model is housed in Signal Tower Museum Arbroath, the former land station for the Lighthouse and accommodation for the Lighthouse Keepers' families.

In 2011 there will be events across Scotland to mark the bicentenary of the founding of the Bell Rock lighthouse.

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1. At 13:35 on 13 September 2010, Janet Russell wrote:
The town of Arbroath played a pivotal part in the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse ? and also provided the shore base for the lighthouse keepers and their families, who lived in the building which is now the Signal Tower Museum. Throughout 2011, Arbroath and Area Partnership, supported by the local Community Planning team and assisted by the Year of the Light steering group, involving many local community organisations, has planned a series of special events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Bell Rock Lighthouse. The programme includes boat trips to the Bell Rock, a stunning firework display, a community parade, a yacht regatta, a public lecture, an art exhibition and a specially-commissioned drama production. For more information, visit www.angusahead.com/bellrocklighthouse.

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