Ep 3. The Bell Rock Lighthouse

The Bell Rock Lighthouse is the third episode of the first season of Seven Wonders of the Industrial World. This episode tells the story of the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, a remarkable feat of engineering that took place in the early 19th century. The lighthouse, located off the coast of Scotland on the Bell Rock reef, was built to help guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of the North Sea.

The episode begins by introducing the problem that sailors faced when navigating the waters near the Bell Rock reef. Due to the strong currents and constantly shifting sands, ships were frequently wrecked on the reef, causing many deaths and lost cargoes. The episode then introduces the man who would eventually be tasked with solving this problem: Robert Stevenson.

Stevenson, a skilled engineer, was hired by the Northern Lighthouse Board to design and build a lighthouse on the Bell Rock reef. This was not an easy task, as the reef was submerged under water for most of the day, making construction challenging. Furthermore, the lighthouse would need to withstand the violent storms that were common in the area.

The episode goes on to show how Stevenson and his team used innovative techniques to surpass these challenges. They constructed a cofferdam around the site of the lighthouse to allow for dry working conditions during low tide. They also developed a unique system for laying the foundation of the lighthouse, which involved drilling holes into the reef and placing iron bolts in them to secure the foundation. These and other techniques allowed them to build a sturdy structure that could withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea.

The episode also highlights the human element of the project. Many men worked tirelessly on the construction of the lighthouse, often facing danger and harsh weather conditions. The episode shows how the men lived and worked on the rock for months at a time, enduring storms and isolation. The episode also mentions the death of one of the workers during construction, highlighting the risks involved.

As the construction of the lighthouse neared completion, the episode shows the final touches being added. The lighthouse was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a rotating light that could be seen from up to 35 miles away. The episode also highlights the lighthouse's impact, showing how it helped to reduce the number of shipwrecks on the Bell Rock reef significantly.

In conclusion, the episode tells the story of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, a remarkable feat of engineering that helped to make the waters around Scotland safer for sailors. Through interviews with experts and stunning reenactments, the episode brings to life the challenges faced by the construction team and the perseverance and ingenuity that allowed them to succeed. The episode also highlights the human cost of such a project, underscoring the risks that the workers took in building the lighthouse.