A dramatic image of the first Eddystone Lighthouse

A view of the first lighthouse on the imfamous Eddystone Rocks, as drawn by the builder Henry Winstanley (1644-1703). It shows the twelve-sided building flying a flag and the cranes used to lift supplies onto the rock. Winstanley was a painter who is believed to have been taught etching by Wenceslaus Hollar. He also opened 'Winstanley's Water-works' an early amusement arcade in Piccadilly, filled with mechanical gadgets he has constructed. After making a considerable amount of money he became a merchant and, after losing two of his ships on the infamous Eddystone Rocks, he designed and built the first lighthouse there, completed 1698. He then published a two-sheet engraving of his work, upon which this version is based. Unfortunately Winstanley was inside his lighthouse during the 'Great Storm' of 1703 and both he and his lighthouse were swept away.