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A Message from the Past: The Discovery of a Century-Old Note at Corsewall Lighthouse

In a fascinating encounter with history, engineers recently unearthed a 132-year-old letter embedded in a glass bottle during renovation work at Corsewall Lighthouse in Scotland. The letter is dated September 4, 1892, a time when the lighthouse was undergoing significant upgrades that would shape its operation for decades to come.

That summer, engineers worked meticulously to install a new lens and lantern atop the lighthouse, a project that was no small feat. After months of labor, they commemorated their achievement by writing a note detailing their work. The engineers documented their names and the specifics of the installation before sealing the note in a bottle and placing it within the lighthouse’s sturdy walls.

This bottle was discovered last month, long after it had been forgotten. Engineers, engaged in necessary repairs, found the glass vessel and were astonished to read the note, which referenced the very lens they were working on. “It felt like a direct line of communication across time,” remarked Barry Miller, the lighthouse keeper, in a conversation with the New York Times.

The text of the note reveals:

“Corsewall Light & Fog Signal Station, Sept. 4th 1892.

This lantern was erected by James Wells Engineer, John Westwood Millwright, James Brodie Engineer, David Scott Labourer, of the firm of James Milne & Son Engineers, Milton House Works, Edinburgh, during the months from May to September and relighted on Thursday night 15th Sept. 1892.

The following being keepers at the station at this time, John Wilson Principal, John B Henderson 1st assistant, John Lockhart 2nd assistant.

The lens and machine being supplied by James Dove & Co. Engineers Greenside Edinburgh and erected by William Burness, John Harrower, James Dods. Engineers with the above firm.”

Located on the rugged coastline of southwest Scotland, Corsewall Lighthouse stands at the tip of a peninsula, overlooking both the Irish Sea and the mouth of Loch Ryan. Established around 1817 in the village of Kirkcolm, the lighthouse has been an essential navigational aid, guiding vessels safely along the treacherous shoreline for over two centuries.

Until 1994, the lighthouse was staffed by keepers who managed its operations onsite. However, with advancements in technology, it was automated and is now monitored remotely from the offices of the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh. This organization oversees the maintenance of more than 200 lighthouses across Scotland and the Isle of Man, utilizing a dedicated team of technicians and engineers.

The former keeper’s residence has been converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant, offering overnight guests a unique experience in historical surroundings. Visitors can opt to stay in the original lighthouse structure or in more contemporary accommodations nestled within the property’s expansive 20 acres. The site is also home to Dunskirloch, an Iron Age fort that adds another layer of historical intrigue.

“It’s a hidden gem,” shared John Harris, co-owner of the hotel, highlighting the area’s natural beauty, including ancient rock formations and local wildlife like deer, seals, and even a sea otter spotted near the lighthouse.

Despite modern navigation technologies, the historical operations of the lighthouse remain relevant today. Euan Murray, whose ancestor worked at Corsewall, expressed a sense of connection to the past, reflecting on the enduring importance of such structures in maritime safety.

Currently, the bottle containing the note is stored at the Northern Lighthouse Board’s Edinburgh office. Plans are underway to return it to its original recess in the lighthouse once the restoration is completed. As a gesture of continuity, today’s engineers and lighthouse keepers intend to leave a new message in a bottle, creating a bridge linking the past and future of maritime navigation.

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