As many of you will know, Trinity House is the statutory authority for maritime navigation aids in England, Wales, and the Channel Islands—a role they’ve held since 1514. Their inspectors are responsible for checking over 11,000 aids to navigation around the UK coastline, including two here in Polperro.
The lighthouse inspection, as always, was a thoroughly high-tech affair: a ladder was propped up to reach the lamp, and a black bag placed over the photocell to simulate darkness. If the light comes on, all is well. Each lamp has a unique flashing pattern to help mariners identify them. Ours flashes three seconds on, three seconds off.
The inspectors always seem pleased to return to Polperro, thanks in no small part to the warm welcome and the excellent pasties. That said, they remain less enthusiastic about the car parking charges…
We’re happy to report that both lights passed inspection and continue to do their vital job keeping mariners safe.
