Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to Gerry about his years as a lighthouse keeper. He started with the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1969, formally retiring in 1990. He had an incredible career, even serving at Fastnet Lighthouse in 1979, during the infamous yacht race disaster. For the full interview, you can listen … Continue reading The Joys of Lighthouse Keeping, an Interview with Gerry Butler
Exploring Hurst Point lighthouse and castle. A blog covering the history of the site, as well as my experience visiting the lighthouse. Continue reading Exploring Hurst Point lighthouse and castle
The trip to Nash Point lighthouse on 20 October 2024 was supposed to be the third Lighthouse Explorers group trip and the first outside of England! The journey to Belle Tout and Beachy Head, gorgeous lighthouses in Eastbourne, was the first group trip. The second trip was to Old Dungeness Lighthouse, a lighthouse set on … Continue reading Nash Point Lighthouse ~ The Group Trip That Never Was
Pilot Bay Lighthouse has a rich history, full of tales demonstrating community spirit and commitment to a safer lake. Continue reading The history of Pilot Bay Lighthouse | The widow, the keeper, and the horse.
The lighthouse built despite repeated rejections from Trinity House: Rattray Head lighthouse. The tower was originally proposed by engineer Alan Stevenson in 1851, however, the lighthouse’s construction was postponed repeatedly due to skepticism over its necessity. I visited the lighthouse in September 2023, and was blown away by its beauty. Continue reading A gem of the Scottish coast: Rattray Head lighthouse
Urgent Crisis: I’m running out of lighthouses in close proximity to London. I’ve had a good run, hopping on trains and cycling to see a lighthouse for a day. However, times are getting tough. Continue reading Exploring Lowestoft Lighthouse 🌊
For the most part, no. If you dream of becoming a lighthouse keeper, the easiest method is travelling 100 years into the past. Most lighthouses are now electrified and automated, run from central offices and inspected once a year. By no means hang up your lighthouse keeper’s jumper. A few lighthouses still require a hands-on … Continue reading Do lighthouse keepers and operators still exist?
Gerry Douglas-Sherwood was a founding member of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers, and the first editor of their ‘LAMP’ journal. He interviewed beautifully; Peter Halil’s chat with him on the Needles Lighthouse is a wonderful watch. He passed away in 2022, and this summer a few ALK members scattered his ashes at Flatholm Island. He … Continue reading Remembering Gerry Douglas-Sherwood
Lighthouse exploring is many things, but it is not an adventure for the faint of heart. At this point I’ve been on many a lighthouse explore, but Norfolk wins all of the awards for most physical pain and the worst weather. My feet occasionally still feel the Ghosts of Blisters Past. Continue reading A 50-mile lighthouse trek to Happisburgh Lighthouse
A behind-the-scenes tour of Trinity Buoy Wharf, exploring the lighthouse, the SS Robin, and Lightship 95. As a lighthouse enthusiast, I loved exploring the site and getting to have a peak behind the curtain. Continue reading Behind the curtain at Trinity Buoy Wharf | The Lighthouse, SS Robin & Lightship 95
Lighthouse Explorers 