History Of English Lighthouses
history of english lighthouses
Calais is The Closest Port to the UK
To many Britons, Calais is their first sight of mainland Europe. Quite what the locals think, Im not sure, as they watch cars being laden with beer and wine until the suspension groans. The cross channel shopping trade flourishes due to a weak Euro and low alcohol and tobacco taxation on the French side. As Calais is the closest port to the UK it has led to it becoming Europes busiest passenger port.
This geographical closeness has also afforded the town a rich history but World War Two bombing has destroyed many of its physical manifestations.
Calais has been invaded by numerous countries throughout its history, including the Romans, Spanish, English.
Tourist Information Office is within the old town and easy to find.
The town walls have gone but the canal that formed the moat around the town remains. The 13th Century Watchtower in the Place d Armes survives. It was close to this watchtower that six Burghers offered their lives if the English would spare the lives of the towns occupants. Edward III had just defeated the town following a seven month siege in 1347. They were only spared on the intervention of Edwards wife Phillipa of Hainault. The famous statue by Rodin outside the Town Hall commemorates these 6 Burghers.
The English stayed for 200 years but their influence extended much longer. In the 19th Century, Lacemakers from Nottingham settled in the town. You can learn more about the history of lace making by visiting the Muse des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle. It also displays a fine selection of watercolours and sculpture related drawings.
Other sights worthy of a visit include the old harbour and old lighthouse which dates from 1848. The lighthouse affords a good view of the Port and environs.
Hidden amidst the trees in the park opposite the Town Hall is an old German communications bunker. This is now home to the Muse de la Guerre, War Museum. The displays show life during the Second World War.
You should include time to visit the Cite de l Europe and the Euro tunnel Terminal if you are in Calais. To the South West of Calais the Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Griz Nez and the bay of Wissant are quite beautiful. The Atlantic Wall Museum and La Fortresse de Mimoyecues are two World War Two Museums that shouldnt be missed at all.
The weather is hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
About the Author
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Calais Rental Site
 |
America's Lighthouses: An Illustrated History (Dover Maritime) List Price: $14.95 Sale Price: $5.00  |
|
Profusely illustrated fact-filled survey of American lighthouses since 1716. Includes over 200 stations — East, Gulf, and West coasts, Great Lakes, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Mississippi and St... |
 |
Women Who Kept the Lights: An Illustrated History of Female Lighthouse Keepers List Price: $22.95 Sale Price: $19.94 |
|
Hundreds of American women have kept the lamps burning in lighthouses since Hannah Thomas tended Gurnet Point Light in Plymouth, Massachusetts, while her husband was away fighting in the War for Independence... |
 |
Great Lakes Lighthouse Tales List Price: $15.95 Sale Price: $7.95 |
 |
Alaska and Hawaii: A Brief History of U.S. Coast Guard Operations List Price: $1.99 |
|
The last two states to join the Union, Alaska and Hawaii, encompass some of the most rugged and isolated terrain in the United States.Since the 19th century, the Coast Guard and its predecessor agencies have enforced maritime laws, assisted distressed mariners and insured that ships were safely outfitted for sea in these remote areas... |
 |
The American Lighthouse Cookbook: The Best Recipes and Stories from America's Shorelines List Price: $26.99 Sale Price: $7.96 |
|
Features 47 lighthouses, dozens of stories, and more than 300 recipes from eight coastal regions of the United States You are invited on a culinary journey across America to visit some of our country's most beautiful and historic lighthouses... |
 |
Lighthouses of the Carolinas for Kids List Price: $9.95 Sale Price: $6.06 |
|
This author knows her Carolina lighthouses (see Lighthouses of the Carolinas) and now she introduces them to kids in a very engaging way. Art by Michael Swing makes it all the more appealing. |
 |
The Lighthouse Encyclopedia: The Definitive Reference (Lighthouse Series) List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $13.49 |
|
Who was Augustine Fresnel? What is a clamshell lens? When was the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse moved inland? Where were screw-pile towers used? What is a daymark? Lighthouse lovers and anyone interested in maritime history will find the answers to these and hundreds of other questions in The Encyclopedia of Lighthouses... |
 |
Lighthouses of North America!: Exploring Their History, Lore & Science (Kaleidoscope Kids Books (Williamson Publishing)) List Price: $16.99 Sale Price: $5.62 |
|
This book is suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. With fun, hands-on activities, dramatic play, and creative thinking, children will discover the wonder of lighthouses and the geography that made lighthouses necessary, as well as the science that improved the strength of the light itself... |
 |
Abbie Against the Storm: The True Story of a Young Heroine and a Lighthouse List Price: $15.95 Sale Price: $9.50 |
|
In this true story, 14-year-old Abbie Burgess has to tend the lighthouse while her father is away. When the worst storm in 200 years breaks out, Abbie must keep the lights burning. Through her own resourcefulness, she manages to protect both the incoming ships and her own family. |
