A Dim future for Godrevy Lighthouse?

As part to a general review of the provision of lighthouses, Trinity House is proposing that the light at Godrevy which has shone out over St Ives bay for almost 150 years will be switched off by 2010. Trinity hose has claimed that there is no longer the need for many of the traditional lighthouses as modern navigational aids such as GPS have made them obsolete.

The view is however, challenged by mariners, especially small boat owners who still value the lighthouses as an essential navigational aid.

The literary significance of Godrevy is also an important aspect which the Virginia Woolf Society is anxious to stress, for it was Godrevy lighthouse that inspired Virginia Woolf to write he book 'To the Lighthouse' when she was staying in St Ives and could see the light shining out across the bay. Vanessa Curtis for the Virginia Woolf Society said 'I think if they just try to turn it off there will be an awful lot of protest not just from our society but internationally. We would fight them very hard. Trinity House may not be concerned about preserving history but we are and they might find they have a tough battle ahead.

Trinity House have said that they are currently in the consolation phase and although the current plan is for Godrevy to be switched off a final decision will not be made until March 2005. In the meantime they would listen to objections and take these into account. 

If you would like to support the retention of Godrevy as a working lighthouse

please email Trinity House and let your voice be heard

What do you think? - have your say in our discussion forum