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Hornby Lighthouse Group
| Source: |
Go to the Register of the National Estate for more information. |
| Identifier: |
2516 |
| Location: |
Hornby Light Rd, Watsons Bay |
Local
Government: |
Woollahra Municipality |
| State: |
NSW |
| Country: |
Australia |
Statement of
Significance: |
The construction of the Hornby Lighthouse and two cottage group, built in 1858, is significant as a direct result of the loss of ships
Dunbar
and
Catherine Adams
in 1857 and is a testimony to the dangerous sections of the east coast of Australia (Criterion A.4). Hornby Lighthouse is significant for its association with the maritime navigational aids established along the eastern coast of Australia and its contribution to the safe passage between North and South Heads (Criterion A.4). The two cottages are significant as good examples of their type and are appropriate reminders of the days when all lighthouses were manned, sometimes in very remote locations (Criteria D.2 and A.4). |
| Description: |
Hornby Lighthouse and two cottage group was established in 1858. A small sandstone light beacon was erected as a result of the loss of ships
Dunbar and Catherine Adamson,
in 1857 and was then known as the Lower Light, South Head, to distinguish it from the Macquarie Light. Constructed of curved dressed sandstone, now painted, to form a circular tapered tower with glass enclosed lamp above, set 30ft (9m) above ground and surrounded at the light housing level by a delicate non ferrous metal balcony and railing. The light was given the name of Hornby in honour of Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby, who in the 1860s was Commander in Chief of the British Pacific Fleet. The original kerosene lamp changed to incandescent gas in the early 1920s then to electricity in 1933, when it ceased to be a manned light. In 1948 the beacon was given an oscillating characteristic and modern lens. The flash occurs 90ft (27m) above sea level and is visible for 14 miles (22km). To the west are two 1858 cottages designed by colonial architect Alexander Dawson with adjacent stone storerooms. The simple Victorian vernacular cottages of sandstone (now painted), have timber verandahs and picket fences. The original roofing has been replaced with corrugated asbestos. |
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