Unexpected Essex host Eri Berry answers the question: how did a man who lived miles from the sea, with no nautical experience, no opportunity to go to university build the world’s first offshore lighthouse? And why isn’t he better known?

This episode explores the fascinating life and tragic end of Henry Winstanley, builder of the first offshore lighthouse on the Eddystone rocks off the coast of Plymouth. Winstanley was born in Saffron Walden and grew up dreaming of a career as an architect. A chance meeting with a wealthy London businessman leads to him building his most ambitious project which sadly costs him his life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:20 Why Essex?

01:26 A misleading poem…

02:48 Winstanley’s early life

06:18 After the gap year

07:47 The house in Littlebury

10:13 Why build a lighthouse?

12:07 How hard can it be?

13:58 How was this funded?

16:03 What did the lighthouse look like?

19:26 The Great Storm of 1703

21:52 The later lighthouses

22:47 Conclusion

23:32 Thanks for listening!

24:00 Credits

For Show Notes and Image Attributions, click here.

Key Names/Places/Dates

Henry Winstanley, The Lighthouse Builder, 1703, The Great Storm, Plymouth, Saffron Walden, Littlebury, Essex, local history.

DISCLAIMER

While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com.

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