Medieval Lighthouses

In this sequel to his seminal book on Ancient Lighthouses, Ken Trethewey presents in detail the current state of knowledge about the development of lighthouses during the period 400-1700 CE. This broad period is intended to cover the ‘middle’ centuries when the provision of lighted aids to navigation was embryonic. Although the principle was well established and the desirability beyond doubt, lights to assist mariners were still rare and haphazard, and frequently fell victim to war and cultural change. Lights were little better than a crude fire on a platform in these times before technology evolved. The author analyses the ideas and methods underpinning the setting up of lights and derives some new historical conclusions. He describes how the structures changed during the years that led up to the Industrial period when lighthouses took on the forms we are familiar with today. This book is a rare contribution to the study of lighthouses that form part of our cherished heritage.