One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in the Isles of Scilly is the striking presence of its lighthouses.
These six iconic structures, including the remote Wolf Rock, stand as vigilant guardians of the islands, warning sailors of the treacherous waters and rocky shores. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1680, and the last one in 1911. Over the centuries, these lighthouses have not only served as crucial maritime guides but also as symbols of resilience, engineering brilliance, and island history.
The majority of these lighthouses were built by three generations of the Douglass family, who dedicated their lives to constructing and maintaining these towering beacons in the 19th century. Remarkably, they lived on-site, enduring the harshest of conditions, sometimes spending weeks in damp, exposed stone buildings with little more than the basics to survive. The Douglass family’s feats of engineering and determination are legendary—especially considering the heavy lifting required. Some of the stones they moved weighed over three tonnes, and they did so with little more than manpower and sheer will. “They never lost a man, which, when you think about what they were doing—moving three-tonne blocks of concrete with nothing but manpower—is just incredible,” says Jess Vian, a local lighthouse enthusiast. These men were more than builders; they were adventurers, engineers, and heroes. The Douglass family wasn’t just known for constructing lighthouses, they were also brave enough to rescue sailors in peril, jumping into the rough seas when needed.
Image credit: Bishop Rock Lighthouse by Rachel Ponnusamy, winner of the IOS Photographic Competition
In addition to the famous Bishop Rock Lighthouse, the Douglass family also constructed Round Island, Wolf Rock, Longstone (off the Northumbrian coast), and Eddystone in Plymouth, making their contribution to maritime safety unmatched. The engineers didn’t just build—they lived a rugged existence, sometimes surviving on limpets and puffins during lean times. James Douglass, the family’s lead engineer, was known for his cultured academic background and musical talents, providing a fascinating contrast to the gruelling physical demands of lighthouse construction.
The most iconic lighthouse in the Isles of Scilly is undoubtedly Bishop Rock, perched on the very edge of England. This monument to human ingenuity is actually three lighthouses in one and stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of the Douglass family. To reach it, hop on a boat and venture four miles out to sea—it’s a true symbol of Scilly’s maritime heritage.
Image credit: St. Agnes Lighthouse remains a daymark for shipping
St. Agnes Lighthouse, built in the 17th century on St. Agnes in the Isles of Scilly, was the second lighthouse constructed in the western approaches after the Lizard Lighthouse in 1619 and the second station established by Trinity House after Lowestoft in 1609. Initially serving as a crucial landfall light, its significance declined following the completion of Bishop Rock Lighthouse in 1858, which took over as England’s westernmost lighthouse. Due to its inland location, St. Agnes Lighthouse was prone to fog, leading to an upgrade in 1880 with improved optical equipment, including fourteen reflectors and two-wick mineral oil burners, arranged on a revolving square frame to produce a flash every thirty seconds. However, in 1911, it was decommissioned and replaced by Peninnis Lighthouse, a 17-meter black and white steel lattice tower on St Mary’s island. Today, the old St. Agnes Lighthouse remains maintained as a daymark for shipping.
Image credit: The iconic Daymark on St. Martin's
For those who prefer to explore on land, Scilly offers picturesque ridge walks with views of its other lighthouses. On St. Martin’s, take a leisurely stroll across Chapel Down to the red-and-white Day Mark, built in 1683, or enjoy the stunning vistas on the boulders of Peninnis Head on St. Mary’s, where a lighthouse built by Trinity House in 1911 stands as a reminder of the island’s maritime importance. Each lighthouse and walk invites visitors to connect with Scilly’s rich nautical history, offering both beauty and adventure at every turn.
