The Evolution of the lantern

Le Phare

lanterne In 1611 the lighthouse comprised a small dome of eight bays closed with windows.   A mixture of wood, pitch and tar was burnt in a basin placed on a bronze pedestal.  The smoke escaped through a hollow pyramid 6.50 m high.  The fire was 37 m above the highest tides.
lanterne In 1645 a violent tempest destroyed the pyramid and the dome;  the latter was rebuilt in 1664 and the fuel was replaced by whale blubber.
lanterne In 1717 the lantern was demolished because its pillars were attacked by the flaming oil; in 1727 an iron lantern containing a coal-fired burner was installed.
lanterne
lanterne
lanterne
lanterne