The Smalls Lighthouse
The Smalls Lighthouse, which is the most remote lighthouse operated by Trinity house, stands on the largest of a group of wave-washed basalt and dolerite rocks, known as the smalls, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres) west of St David’s Peninsula.
In 1859 Trinity House, having bought out the previous leaseholders in 1836, began the construction of the current Lighthouse, with completion of the Tower taking place in 1861.
In 1978, a helideck was erected above the lantern, and in 1987 the lighthouse became automated.
It became the first wind-and solar-powered lighthouse in the UK, and although it has only a 35 watt bulb, with the aid of lenses, it can be seen up to 21 miles (34 km) away.
It was the first lighthouse in the country to have an installed flushing toilet.
In June 1997, the red and white stripes which had been associated with the tower, were no longer considered to be necessary for navigation, and so the tower was grit blasted back to natural granite.
The lighthouse is now monitored and controlled in full, from Trinity House’s planning center in Harwich, Essex.
The original Smalls Lighthouse, which was erected over 1775 and 1776, was constructed using the plans of Liverpool musical instrument maker Henry Whiteside. It stood on nine oak pillars, which allowed the sea to pass through beneath. Although it suffered from some rocking, it stood for 80 years.
During its life a significant number of extra struts were added beyond the original nine. The pillar-based design has since been used successfully in many sea structures.