Douglas Head Light

The original light was designed by David and Thomas Setevenson in 1832 with the main function of marking the entrance to Douglas Bay. Originally built for Douglas Harbour commissioners but transferred to Northern Commissioners in 1859. The original light would appear to be much squatter than its replacement
	Rebuilt in 1892. The white, 65ft, stone tower stands in a courtyard surrounded by flat roofed and castellated service buildings. As it is on Douglas Head which was one of the favourite haunts of the holiday trippers it was probably one of the most visited of all lighthouse sites
The foghorn, known locally as 'moaning minnie', was added in 1908. It caused many complaints in Douglas but it was later moved around the head to reduce the nusiance. As this view is, I think, taken from the same vantage point as that of the original light it indicates that the two lights were built on adjacent sites. As Peter Kelly has remarked what is unusual is that no photograph showing two towers appears to exist.
	Contemporary view; as with all other Manx Lights it is now completely automatic.

A brief description of the old light is given in IoM Times 20th Sept 1891:

Douglas Light Head
The tower has been condemmed by the Commissioners of Northern Lights and is to be razed to the ground and a new one built in its place.

The lantern is composed of 8 brilliant reflectors composed of pure silver and which bear date 1831. The light is a very powerful one and can be seen in ordinary clear weather for 14 to 15 miles. The light was intended more particularly for coasting boats that they may be kept clear of the land.

A new foot path has been constructed by the Commissioners round the top of Port Skillion down to the Light which was only finished last week.




Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor © F.Coakley , 2001