Description
Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth’s iconic lighthouse, is a memorial to the engineer John Smeaton. It was in use between 1759-1877 until erosion to the rocks on which it was built forced it to be moved to its current location on Plymouth Hoe.
John Smeaton was recommended by The Royal Society to build it and he modelled the design on an oak tree. Smeaton rediscovered hydraulic lime, a form of concrete used in Roman times, which allowed concrete to set underwater. In the lighthouse’s design, Smeaton put granite blocks together using dovetail joints and marble dowels. How cool is that?
It’s a Grade I listed building and has 93 steps, which the public can climb to the top and see the amazing views of Plymouth Sound. The interior is great, with lots of interesting vintage typography and industrial features.
This high quality A4 print is supplied unframed. Created from an original hand-drawn illustration by Devon artist Helen Leslie Illustrator.
