Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.

On this day May 1st 1899.
If you visit Jervis Bay bay, you cannot miss the iconic vertical cliff that dominates the distant view and forms the northern headland of the Bay.
Take a walk along the shore at night and you will see a bright cycling light sending a long beam across the open sea and the waters of the bay.  That light is emanating from Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and is a beacon for passing ships giving them a location, and reminding them of the danger of straying to close to shore.
Image taken 2002.


1899 saw the opening of the majestic white sentinel atop the steep 300ft high cliffs of Point Perpendicular overlooking the entrance to Jervis Bay.  The lighthouse guided ships safely along the south coast until it was decommissioned and replaced in 1993.

1962	1984

The original lighthouse has been replaced by a solar powered, skeletal steel framed automated light, it doesn’t have the same style or romance of the old light, but it still keeps the passing ships on course. And on special occasions they relight the old light and it’s a sight to behold.
Shown here in full operation during the fleet review October 2013.





The old light is much brighter than the new light.
The light is so bright it casts light around the shore line of the bay.















The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse was built to replace the Cape St George lighthouse which was built in the wrong location in 1860. Built to far south from the entrance of Jervis Bay, it was deemed a navigation hazard and was decommissioned when Point Perpendicular Lighthouse came into operation.
The undignified end came via the navy who demolished the light by using it for gunnery practice in 1922.

Location map	Point Perp. from south	Cape St George	Ruins looking south

The Keepers.
The first keeper, William Parker was previously the light keeper of Cape St George Lighthouse, the assistant keeper Arthur Bailey was the son of Edward Bailey, the late keeper of Cape St George Lighthouse.
The last keeper was John Hampson.

This beautiful image is of Mrs.William Parker the first light house keepers wife.











The last keeper, John Hampson,
waves goodbye
Photograph: The Bay And Basin Review






















The image below shows the ruins of Cape St George Lighthouse in the foreground, and Point Perpendicular on the headland in the far distance.

Fact sheet. Height: 21.4 meters high and 93 meters above sea level. Build: Believed to be the first lighthouse in NSW to be built of Concrete blocks. The tower is circular, with an internal diameter of 11 feet 9 inches (3.58 m). It is 44 feet (13 m) to the balcony. Light Source: The original light source was a vaporized kerosene lamp with an intensity of 100,000 cd and  a visible range of around 33 kilometres (21 mi) In 1964 the light was electrified, 2 diesel engines serving as the power source. Intensity: 1,200,000 cd Range: 26 nautical miles (42 kilometres Automated, demanned and deactivated in 1993.

Previous story and images of Cape St George Lighthouse – Continue reading
Point Perpendicular 2002 -  Ruined Cape St George lighthouse images

REF:
http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/nsw/Point%20Perpendicular/Pt%20Perpendicular.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Perpendicular_Light
Go here to see some amazing images from inside the lighthouse.

Cape St George Lighthouse

Simply put the Cape St George Lighthouse was a disaster in organization and decision making. Commissioned in 1860 and in operation for 39 years, it was embroiled in controversy even before construction began. The lighthouse was built in the wrong location, despite repeated warnings leading up to the lights construction. The poor old lighthouse never stood a chance, It was suppose to be a lifesaving, guiding light for mariners, a beacon for advancements in coastal navigation and safety, instead it became a hazard, and was blamed for many shipping mishaps while in operation.

This letter to the editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, May 1891, some 31 years after the first rays of light shone across the Tasman Sea, from R. A. Kearney, Intercolonial Pilot, clearly outlines and reflects what many captains plying the south coast were saying about the lighthouse.

Sir,-On three different occasions during the past four years I have had a narrow escape from loosing a fine ship on the particular part of the coast,  in consequence of the absurd and useless position the light is placed in. Upon the first occasion I was conducting a large ship, the Thorniebank, of Glasgow, from Melbourne to Newcastle.  We had passed inside Montague Island about 9p.m., there being and unusually strong current setting to the southward offshore,  which we were anxious to avoid.  At midnight the ship was abreast of Bateman’s Bay, so I hauled her out N.N.E1/2 E. magnetic to clear the land and to open Jervis Bay light.  The wind was blowing fresh from the S.S.E,. and the Thorniebank was travelling over 12 knots,  and carrying as much canvas as she could fairly stagger under,  as we were desirous to making all we could of the wind whilst it lasted.      However, just as daylight was coming in the lookout man reported, “land close ahead”.  and looking along the lee side sure enough we were within two miles of where the steamer Corangamite now lies at the bottom.  I need scarcely describe the scene on board when the helm was put hard down and the ship bought to the wind with such a press of canvas on her.   Immediately she heeled over Captain Erakine,  one of the oldest commanders in the Melbourne trade,  came rushing on deck,  but when he saw the position of the ship,  with the Cape St George close on our lee-beam and looming as high as out mastheads, he was absolutely speechless for a time.   When he did speak he said calmly,  “Where is Jervis Bay light,  Pilot?” I replied,  ‘'It is round the corner somewhere,  captain,”  and immediately afterwards the light opened up clear of the land to the southward of it.    The next narrow squeak I had was with the fine four-mastered ship Waterloo;  and my third and last experience was three weeks ago with a Norwegian barque,  which I was piloting from Adelaide to Newcastle. Now, I am certain that when the substance of this letter is bought before the notice of the Marine Board as usual the first thing that body will say is that I had no business being so close inshore.”  But I must unhesitatingly state that I am the better judge of such matters. I have been a pilot round the whole coast of Australia for the past 11 years, and many dark,  dirty night I am off Sydney Heads when the members of the Marine Board are in the warm beds.   And, as regards hugging the land,  why during the season of westerly winds now fast setting in,  if one of those large iron ships bound from Melbourne or Adelaide  (in ballast)  to Newcastle were to get off the land she would not get hold of it again perhaps for a month.  And again ballast costs from 4s to 5s 3d per tone at Melbourne.  Therefore, taking into consideration the low rate of freights ruling between England and this country,  shipmasters cannot afford to half load their vessels with Ballast at the above figure to be thrown over the ships side in Newcastle.  Consequently the ship being light in ballast has to be kept close inshore so as to take advantage of the land breezes,  also to ensure the safety of the vessel,  the master employs the services of a “coast pilot” – not to relieve him of the responsibility,  as some people may think,  but to assist him in the safe navigation of the ship close to land. Of course,  with the wind hanging to the eastward any prudent navigator would avoid the land and keep a respectable distance off shore. Regarding Cape St George light,  there are a score of ship masters out of the port of Sydney who will bare me out in the assertion that the lighthouse on this part of the coast is absolutely useless as a guide to shipping bound north or south, or for entering Jervis Bay, and if the government of New South Wales do not take steps to alter the present site,  believe me,  some terrible disaster will yet occur.  Sooner or later the question will be, ‘Who is to Blame?”    R. A. KEARNEY.  Intercolonial Pilot.  May 7 1891

The controversy continued, and representations from ship captains and pilots eventually led to the Point Perpendicular lighthouse being built and the light at Cape St George being extinguished in 1899. Previous posts about Cape St George – Continue Reading

Cape St George Lighthouse 1873.

Despite its isolation, and what appears to be a confusing journey on unmarked tracks, numerous newspaper correspondents of the time suffered the difficulties and made their way to Cape St George.
Before cameras, correspondents would be accompanied by artists, whose task it was to sketch the scenes they arrived at. Newspapers from the 1800’s give us beautiful hand-drawn images of many places along the south coast. The lighthouse appears to be a popular destination for the above, appearing in many issues of country and city papers.

Short paragraphs read in isolation, can reveal an insight into life around Jervis Bay.

The image and article below is from the Illustrated Sydney News, 1873.

 

This building is situated about thirty miles from the town of Nowra, in New South Wales, on the south side of Jervis Bay, and is the direct rout of vessels proceeding from Sydney to Melbourne. The light shown is a bright revolving white and green. The road winds along the edges of swamps and over rocky hills, and at the time our illustration was made not marked out, and our artist and his companions were, in consequence, obliged to put up their tent and pass the night in the bush, having been unable to find the way before it became dark. As it was a moonlight night, two of the party searched around the camp, and followed a path which they discovered. Coming back with their cloths and boots wet and muddy from the small streams of water they had crossed, they made a fire and cooked their supper. A bed of rushes served to sleep upon, and the wild howling of the native dogs did not long keep them awake. Next morning, at sunrise they breakfasted and started for the lighthouse, but the horse stopped at the first high sand hill and part of the luggage had to be left on the road. With some difficulty the spring cart was drawn to the coast, and the superintendant kindly sent his own horse for the articles left behind. The tent was pitched near the stable of the establishment, and during the next fortnight a series of drawings were made of the wild and beautiful coastal scenery, including the lighthouse. Although the headland is a great height from the sea, in a storm the foam dashes right over it; and once, when a strong wind came on, the party had to raise from their beds in the midst of a pouring rain and secure the fastenings to prevent it’s being blown over the cliff. Passing storm taken from the exposed Cape St George headland. Following he gives us and insight into the hardships and inadequate facilities the lighthouse keepers endured in their daily tasks. The want of a verandah to the superintendant’s quarters is much felt in wet weather, as there is no shelter either from the rain or foam when he has to be on the lookout for vessels. Neither is there a spare room for ship-wrecked persons or strangers, as there should be as such and isolated station. It’s hard to imagine a time when children might have been in such isolation, facilities must have been very primitive with regard to their education. At a mile distant a schoolhouse has been erected for the children of the fishermen, who live a few miles off, and of the officials stationed at the lighthouse. The entrance to Jervis Bay is two miles wide, and inside there is a harbor from three to four leagues in length and two in width. It is considered a safe port of ships of all sizes and is 80 miles from Sydney. The harbor is large and commodious, easy of access, and will affords shelter from all winds, having room for 200 sail of ships, with plenty of water and wood. The bay was discovered by Lieutenant Boen, in August, 1791. Hoping to visit the picturesque village a future time, the party left the coast when they had completed  their sketch, and with the aid of a lent horse reached Nowra, much pleased with the kind attention from the superintendant while visiting the lighthouse.

Elyard, Samuel, 1817-1910. Cape St. George Lighthouse, South of Jervis Bay, New South Wales, ca. 1864 [picture] ca. 1864. 1 watercolour ; 36.2 x 56.2 cm. http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an2686423 Meaning League - On land, the league was most commonly defined as three miles, though the length of a mile could vary from place to place and depending on the era. At sea, a league was three nautical miles (about 5.6 km).

Cape St George Lighthouse

Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 22 October 1861.

The navigational details  below,  gave Mariners the necessary information to safely sail past Jervis Bay and Wreck Bay. It also outlines some of the  dangers of the Jervis Bay, Wreck Bay area. Most interesting of all, it gives us some clues into why this lighthouse,  positioned where it was, eventually proved to be such a failure.

.- Alternating Light near Cape St. George.  The Pilot and Steam Navigation Board of Sydney have given notice  that on and after the 1st day of October 1860,  a light would be exhibited from the lighthouse recently erected on a prominent headland,  situated about 1 3/4 mile northward of Cape St George,  and 2 1/2 miles southward of the same point of entrance to Jervis Bay,  East coast Australia.  The light is an alternating light,  showing consecutively a red, green,  and white light at intervals of thirty seconds.  It is elevated 224 feet above the level of high water and is visible seaward when bearing between S.S.W. 1/2 W, and North. It is seen as far as N. by E. 3/4 E. over a sloping hill situated south of the lighthouse;  But then a vessel must be a considerable distance to the southward of it.   In entering Jervis Bay the light will be eclipsed by Bowen Island,  forming the south point of the entrance,  when bearing S.1/2 W.;  and it will only be visible from a portion of the bay,  between the bearings of S.S.E. 1/2 E.  and S.E.  The white light will be seen in clear weather at a distance of about 19 miles,  and the green and red lights at 14 miles,  The illuminating apparatus is catoptrics,  or by reflectors,  of the third order.  The light tower is 61 feet high,  built of white stone,  and stands in the latitude of 35 : 9 : 16 : S.,  Longitude 150 : 47 :8 : East of Greenwich. Directions.  Vessels approaching Cape St. George from the southwards should always endeavour to make this light to avoid being embayed in Wreck Bay,  the deep indentation westward of the cape.   The light will first open over the sloping hill to the southward of it bearing N, by E 3/4 E.;  caution must, however, be observed in nearing the Cape,  which is low,  dangerous, a rocky point on which sea breaks.  When within distance of about eight miles,  the light should not be brought to the northward of N by W. ;  for if the vessel should be near the land,  to the southwestward of this bearing,  the light will be partially,  if not wholly obscured,  but by standing to the eastward it will gradually open out,  and when bearing N.N.W 3/4 W.  it may be passed with safety at a distance of from one to two miles. In approaching from the northward the light will open of Crocodile Head,  bearing S.S.W. 1/2 W., and by keeping it in sight a vessel will pass the Head in safety at a distance of from one to two miles,  Jervis Bay affords good and safe anchorage in all winds. The bearings are magnetic.  Variation, 101/4 E. east in 1860. By command of their warships, JOHN WASHINGTON, Hydrographer. Hydrographic Office,  Admiralty,  London,  23rd October, 1860. This notice effects the following Admiralty Charts:- Australia, General, No 1042; East Coast, sheet 2,  No. 2142.  Also Australia Lights List,  No, 116 ; and Australia Directory,  vol. 1, Page 212. The old lighthouse ruins.  A fascinating story of, endurance, hardship and endeavour. Continue Reading

Cape St George Lighthouse - The building had to be taken down to ground level.

1859 - 5th July
The Department of Land and Public Works advertised for tenders for builders willing to contract for the erection of a Light House at Cape St. George. Tenders had to state the time within which it was
proposed to complete the work.  A bond to Her Majesty of £500 was required to secure the tender, otherwise, the tender would not be taken into consideration.

Just 40 years later the controversially located lighthouse was decommissioned and was ready to be demolished.


1899 - 9th October
The Department of Public Works advertised for the sale of Building materials from the dismantling of Cape St George Lighthouse. Disposal of all materials included within the lighthouse and residences, together with all outbuildings and fences. Anyone sending in their application had to include the sum of 2 pounds as a guarantee of good faith. which would be forfeited by the successful tenderer if he failed to complete the purchase in fourteen days of notification of the acceptance of his tender.
The building had to be taken down to ground level.


Continue reading about Cape St George Lighthouse.

Cape St George Lighthouse..

Under this simple heading coastal shipping movements were reported in newspapers right around the country.  Lighthouse keeper and other ship master observations concerning ship movements along the coast appeared daily in newspapers. Information could travel faster than a ship and these entries were sometimes the only means waiting relatives, ship owners and merchants had of knowing where the vessels were. Cape St George Lighthouse keepers played an important part in keeping the information flowing about passing vessels of all kinds. The keepers were expected to keep a constant watch and if need be communicate by flag signals to these vessels.  Hours of observation, and in the case of Cape St George standing exposed to the elements in all sorts of weather.  These obsevations were then passed onto Sydney via telegraph and then they would be reported in the local papers.

Examples of the sometimes simple entries that helped keep people informed of ship movements.

Sydney Morning Herald 1872. Sydney Morning Herald 1873. Sydney Mail 1873. Sydney Morning Herald 1873. Sydney Morning Herald 1874. Maitland Mercury 1875. Sydney Morning Herald 1875.

This following article from the Sydney Morning Herald in 1899 is very interesting, it shows how the information from the lighthouse keepers was regarded with the utmost importance and any break down in the chain of information was of grave concern..

The article below shows how the break down of communication  between the coasting vessel Torridon, and the Jervis Bay light keepers was taken seriously and in this case led to an investigation by the Marine Board.

Shipping being the fastest and most efficient method of moving people and cargo over long distances, meant information about new light houses or other maritime infrastructurer as advertised below in the Sydney paper Empire in 1860 was of great importance to the general public, maritime authorities, mariners and ship owners. For us, the newspaper entry provides  fascinating information about the workings of such an important if not ill conceived and controversial piece of local maritime history,  which was the Cape St George Lighthouse.

Remains of the Lighthouse as seen in 1979.

‘good old friends of yore”

In a time when we can travel at great speeds in comfort from place to place, have all manner of entertainment at our fingertips, have conversations instantly with friends from every part of the globe at the press of a button, this story takes us back to an era where time and fun and community was seen in a completely different way.  I hope you take the time to enjoy this story…I did.

The lighthouse keepers and their families lived in isolation in meager accommodation on top of the exposed cliffs of Cape St George headland,   tasked with the responsibility of maintaining the lighthouse, monitoring passing ships in all weather,  aid in their safe passage along the dangerous and rugged coast.   The occupants of the lighthouse must have been very happy to have a visitor call in every now and then and break the monotony, and receive news from the colonies. This story from the Shoalhaven Telegraph August 1892, is full of joy and good spirits, and speaks of a simpler time, it’s about a group of friends that make a surprise visit to the lighthouse. Harry Parker, principal keeper at the time.

To the weary voyager across the vast Pacific,  who see’s naught to relieve his monotony,  nothing is so gladdening as the sight of land which reminds him that home is not far distant;  hope springs within his eternal breast,  rising like a giant pillar till it reaches the summit of his ambition.  Not less jubilant is he than were the residents of Cape St George lighthouse on the evening of Friday, 5th August, when to their astonishment entered some two dozen visitors – several others,  including your humble scribe,  entering at a later hour - from Nth Huskisson, St Georges basin,  Erowal, Bherwerre, and Sydney.  The event had been mooted several weeks previously.  but owing to circumstances could not be accomplished till above date.  Perfect secrecy was maintained with a view of thoroughly bombarding the enemy,  in this case one not hostile to such proceedings. The day opened rather gloomily,  as also the day previous,  but Mr Sun,  now and then sent fourth his splendour,  gladdening the hearts of one and all.  But in the afternoon at the appointed hour of starting,  our hearts almost sank within us when the sky became overcast,  and a very heavy storm passed,  but inclined to the west.  However,  a start was effected.  Having travelled at least 13 miles of the worst vehicular roads in the colony,  we alighted in order to satisfy our craving appetites,  and to arrange the attack. Rain threatening we lost no time in resuming our journey in order to bombard the enemy between lights,  having posted our sentry at an earlier date,  and who proved equal to the occasion. The first residence of the Keepers in sight was that of the principal,  Mr Parker,  Who along with his family and our sentry,  were having pleasant reminiscences over the tea table.  Not a foot was heard,  and as if ordained by Providence,  the canine species were all indoors.  We eagerly alighted,  entered premises by pioneer entrance,  and with loud “hoorahs”  announced our arrival.  The inmates were astounded,  each and everyone helter skelter to witness the scene,  Parker even blessing the victuals to which he was partaking owing to misrepresenting his garments for his mouth. Some vowed we were from foreign parts,  others from the city,  and elsewhere's.  but in our gentle demeanor we were soon detected as ‘good old friends of yore”  and were made welcome.  We spent no time in illuminating the room,  and ridding it of it’s contents, piano, etc,  going to adjoining room, where we began operations as true warriors alone can do.  Travel where you may,  you could not find a happier assemblage,  as evidenced by their smiling countenances,  and by the familiar,  yet graceful demeanor of the ladies,  than when no worthier could be found,  not omitting the names of the three keepers,  their worthy spouses and families who joined the assemblage as soon as circumstances permitted.  To those who indulged in the ‘'”terpsichorean art”  a suitable floor was at their disposal,  and not long was it before they indulged in the light fantastic.  Music,  concertina,  being supplied by several of the company,  including our sentry.  The talented “Gus” was ever on the alert at the piano. Several of the company not being equal to the occasion,  at least in the aforementioned art,  several intermissions were made,  interspersed with many amusing games,  causing much merriment at times. Not less amusing were the pranks of our worthy hostess,  and a talented Boniface  by title “Jack”  from Sydney,  in recruit of health.  Several songs were ably rendered during the night,  many comics' relieving the monotony of sentimental on such occasions.  Punctually at 12 p.m an adjournment was made for refreshments,  and I need hardly say,  were partaken of with much gusto,  recipients dooming edibles A1. The former program was then resumed and was kept up until daylight,  the only regret expressed,  that the night had elapsed far to soon. Refreshments were again provided,  after which the company again assembled to sing  ‘Auld Lang Syne,” and “For he’s a jolly good fellow,”   after which one and all separated for their respective homes. Many expressions were made regarding the event,  that not a more enjoyable company,  nor a more satisfied one had ever assembled at Cape St George, as evidenced by the host and hostess the outcome of which  I trust will be the re-assemblage of a similar nature on some future occasion,  not only in the above tone,  but in true meaning of the expression, With hearty congratulations, au revoir

The exposed cliffs and ruins of the Cape St George lighthouse, bathed in light from the morning sun.

Local name origins and meanings.

Callala Bay – Callala Beach

Thought to derive either from 'kallala' (meaning 'fish') or from one of Alexander Berry's convicts, Patrick Smith, who lived in the area and was born at Calala in Ireland.

Cape St George 23 April 1770. Cook. It was discovered by Cook on St George's Day. The lighthouse built at St George's Head had to be destroyed because it was built in the wrong place, and was a danger to shipping.

St Georges Basin Takes its name from nearby Cape St George/ Surveyor Thomas Florence recorded the Aboriginal name - Bherwerre - for the basin in 1827.

Erowal Bay Thought to be an Aboriginal word -  Originally spelt Erowhal

Pt Perpendicular Named Pt Upright by Cook, 22.4.1770, due to perpendicular cliffs. Changed to its existing name during colonial times.

REF” http://www.australiaforeveryone.com.au/discovery/names5.htm

Cape St George Lighthouse

 






Shattered fragments of history
Following on from previous posts about the lighthouse, here a few more small shattered relics.
There mostly all small fragments of crockery as well as a copper nail from the roof and one of the many slate roof fragments that litter the site
One would presume the crockery was at one time used by the lighthouse keepers and their families.
I find this stuff pretty fascinating.
I hope you do.

		Beautiful detailed decoration. on these fragments of local history.

Previous Posts
http://www.ladydenmanmuseum.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/cape-st-george-lighthouse_28.html
http://www.ladydenmanmuseum.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/woe-disaster-and-misery.html