Henry Winstanley

Lore & Background

Henry Winstanley was born in Saffron Walden, Essex, and baptised there on 31 March 1644. His father became land steward to the Earl of Suffolk, owner of Audley End House, in 1652, and young Henry worked there as a porter and later as a secretary. After a grand tour of Europe between 1669 and 1674, he developed an interest in engraving and is believed to have studied with Wenceslas Hollar. He was appointed Clerk of Works at Audley End in 1679 and held the post until 1701. He also designed a popular set of playing cards and created a detailed set of architectural engravings of Audley End House, which took ten years to complete.

Reader's Guide

Winstanley's significance lies in his successful construction of the first Eddystone Lighthouse, a feat many considered impossible. After losing two of his ships on the Eddystone rocks, he demanded action and, told the reef was too treacherous to mark, declared he would build a lighthouse himself. The Admiralty supported him with ships and men. Construction began on 14 July 1696, and the octagonal tower was completed in November 1698. During construction, a French privateer destroyed the foundations and captured Winstanley, but Louis XIV ordered his release, saying 'France is at war with England, not with humanity.' The lighthouse was rebuilt on a larger scale the following spring after weather damage. During its five years of operation, no ships were wrecked on the Eddystone. Winstanley's death during the Great Storm of 1703, while making repairs, underscores his personal commitment to his work. His legacy includes the 'Essex House of Wonders' and a successful Mathematical Water Theatre in London, but the Eddystone Lighthouse remains his most enduring achievement.

Did You Know?

• Winstanley lost two of his five ships on the Eddystone rocks before building the lighthouse.
• During construction, a French privateer captured Winstanley, but Louis XIV ordered his release.
• The first Eddystone Lighthouse was completed in November 1698 and rebuilt on a larger scale the following spring.
• Winstanley died in the Great Storm of 1703 while making repairs to the lighthouse.