The Project
With the help of a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Trinity House has renovated the Engine Room at Lizard Lighthouse, retaining some of the old engines. It now also features new exhibition material, an audio visual room and a number of interactive displays. The Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre was officially opened on the 13th July 2009 by HRH The Princess Royal.
What did the project entail?
There were a number of elements that had to be completed before the new Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre opened in Spring 2009.
The timing of the refurbishment work was influenced by the replacement of the slate roof of the engine room, the general refurbishment of the building itself and the conversion of some garages to a toilet block. This work had to take place in fair weather, as the old roof was removed and the new Welsh slates laid, but the ability to open the Visitor Centre without compromising the safety of the guests and to maximize revenue also contributed to the scheduling.
Some of the old equipment which had no historic value was removed to make more space available for the new exhibit and reception area. Some of the equipment was retained and kept available as spares. However, much of the fog signal equipment was retained and will become one of the main features of the new exhibit, after all the building was constructed as a fog signal house. Field Operations personnel from St Just and Swansea carried out the necessary technical activities to ensure that the work was carried out sympathetically and that any redundant parts were disposed of in accordance with the appropriate regulations.
The space that formerly housed fuel tanks will become the new ticketing and reception area. Part of this space also includes a retail area for lighthouse related products, and a small refreshment area.
Learning at Lizard
Particular subjects of strength are the history of navigation over the centuries, the role of Trinity House, and the historic buildings and technical and social heritage that has developed in order to undertake that function. To put the lighthouse into context though, the exhibit and associated information relates to other buildings, organisations and history in the area.
The improved facility offers visitors information about the structural, technical and social history of Lizard lighthouse and the associated southwestern offshore Rock Lighthouses, using interactive and audio-visual displays. The displays have a strong emphasis on education and more schools and young persons’ groups such as Scouts and Guides, will be encouraged to visit. The site will also be used for formal and informal education for all, particularly the local community. And a wide range of subjects and activities will ensure that there is something that will appeal to all age groups and abilities.
For example, for the family fun days, with a different theme each time. These would be held on Saturdays as this is the principal changeover day for organised tourist accommodation, this would allow greater access to local communities. Themes/activities could include rocks/minerals, rope craft, badge making, biscuit decorating, etc.
The over 60’s community will be invited to special events to include talks from visiting specialists such as historians, curators, writers, artists, etc. Links with local attractions are being investigated with the possibility of holding special evenings with/for them. In Cornwall there are a large percentage of senior walkers and ramblers who walk the South West Coastal Path adjacent to Lizard lighthouse.
This project is a huge opportunity for Trinity House to reach out to a diverse audience and to share its wealth of history and specialist knowledge. It has all been made possible with the aid of a grant of the Heritage Lottery Fund and an opportunity Trinity House is excited to have been involved with.
With thanks to...
Many people outside of Trinity House contributed time and energy, and donated artefacts and images, to make the Heritage Centre what it is. We would like to take this opportunity to most sincerely thank (in no particular order):
Dave Spurgeon
Tim Stevens
Mr & Mrs Bluer
Mr & Mrs Martin
Gerry Douglas-Sherwood
Tony Parker, and
Alan Renton