The Smeaton's Tower in Plymouth
Smeaton's Tower is a memorial to John Smeaton, a civil engineer who designed the third Eddystone Lighthouse in 1759. This was a major step forward for the design of lighthouses and was used for almost thirty years before a natural disaster forced it to be demolished. Sadly, it fell into disrepair and was replaced by a new tower in 1877.
The Smeaton's Tower is a remarkably unique historic building that rises from the Plymouth Hoe headland. You can climb the 93 steps to the top of the tower for an amazing view of Plymouth Sound. The original tower was built fourteen miles offshore and was transferred to dry land in the 1880s. Sadly, wheelchair accessibility does not allow you to climb all 93 steps. Despite this, the Smeaton's Tower is an essential visit in Plymouth.
Construction on Smeaton's Tower began in 1756 and was completed in August of 1759. The original tower cost almost PS6 million and employed over one hundred blocks of stone. Approximately twenty-four candles, oil lamps, and reflectors were used to light the tower. The Smeaton's Tower Plymouth was a revolutionary design for its time and acted as a blueprint for lighthouses throughout the world. Please visit the website of our sponsor
A Grade I listed building, the Smeaton's Tower is the centerpiece of Plymouth's Hoe. The tower was used between 1759 and 1877 and is a testament to the city's history. This tower was the first tower in the UK to have been built in this way and is one of the South West's most famous landmarks. The tower's 93 steps lead to its lantern room, which is a wonderful observation point of the city. However, the tower is closed to the public when it is used for civil ceremonies.
