Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Lighthouse of the Week, December 17-23, 2017: Donkin Reserve, South Africa


One more lighthouse from South Africa in this three-peat;  this one intrigued me because of the pyramid next to the lighthouse.  This is the Donkin Reserve lighthouse in Port Elizabeth, and the pyramid and the city are connected.

First, about the lighthouse:
"1861 (rebuilt in 1930). Inactive since 1973 (a decorative light is shone during evening hours). 26 m (86 ft) octagonal tower with lantern, gallery, and four ribs, rising from a 1-story keeper's house. Lighthouse painted white, lantern dome red. Near the lighthouse is a sandstone pyramid built as a memorial to the wife of Sir Rufane Donkin, the city's founder; the city is named for her. The original lighthouse had a height of 17 m (55 ft); in or about 1930 the lighthouse was raised to its present height and substantially rebuilt; the buttresses were added at that time, giving the tower an Art Deco design. Built high on a hill behind the harbor, the light was replaced in 1973 by the Deal Light."
(And let me note that the Deal Light is boring.)

So now you know the story behind the pyramid next to the lighthouse.  Apparently Rufane was extremely in love with Lady Elizabeth;  you can read more about that here.'

So now for some pictures of the Donkin Reserve lighthouse.









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