Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Monument Number 303317
Hob Uid: 303317
Location : Isles of Scilly St. Agnes
Grid Ref : SV8391059500
Summary : A mid 19th century lighthouse-builders' operational base on the island of Rosevear in the Western Rocks of the Isles of Scilly. The base served the builders of the Bishop Rock Lighthouse during its initial and abortive construction attempt from 1847-1850 and during its successful construction from 1851-1858. At least four main elements survive. Two buildings, a workers lodging and mess building and a workshop building, are grouped in the north west of the overall structural complex, a smithing hearth is located between them; the fouth element, a slab-built platform, is situated to their east by the island's east coast. Traces of a third building are also visible further south on the east coast. The operational base was established on Rosevear following the decision by Trinity House in April 1847 to erect a lighthouse on Bishop Rock, 3.2 kilometres west-north-west of Rosevear. Rosevear was chosen for the base as it is the nearest island with any substantial area of flattish dry land; the Bishop Rock is a short distance by boat and clearly visible from the island, enabling work to proceed whenever conditions were seen to be suitable. Scheduled.
More information : A group of apparently ruined building on Rosevear are shown on OS 6" 1963. (1) Ruined buildings on Rosevear were the blacksmith's shop and quarters of the workmen constructing the Bishop Rock lighthouse 1847-50, and again later for the new lighthouse. Also visible are the stump of a flag pole and a granite platform. (2) The barren flat island of Rosevear is rock strewn save where there has been clearance for the construction of four drystone wall buildings, three centred at SV 83910598 and a fourth at SV 839594. The walls are mostly tumbled and from 0.4m to 0.7m high, though the best preserved remains are up to 3.0m high. The purpose of each structure cannot be ascertained. Surveyed at 1:10 000. (3)

Sources :

Source Number : 2
Source :
Source details : Grigson G. 1977. The Scilly Isles
Page(s) : 52
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Source Number : 3
Source :
Source details : 17/03/1978
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Source Number : 4
Source :
Source details : 25/09/1997
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : 1847-1850
Monument End Date : 1850
Monument Start Date : 1847
Monument Type : Construction Camp, Building, Lodging House, Workshop, Hearth, Blacksmiths Workshop
Evidence : Ruined Building, Structure

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (National No.)
External Cross Reference Number : 15496
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SV 80 NW 1
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1978-03-17
End Date : 1978-03-17

Historic England Research Records

Monument Number 303317