East Point Lighthouse .is located on a bluff above the Atlantic
about 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of East Point, the easternmost point
of the island at Ragged Point in the parish of St Philip and is the
most easterly point of Barbados. It is also known as Ragged Point
Lighthouse and was erected in1875. It is a white stone, conical
tower reaching 97ft / 29.5m in height, with a black lantern and
white gallery. When in operation, the lighthouse had a focal plane
of 213ft / 65m and one white flash every 15 seconds. The keeper's
house and other light station buildings are abandoned and in ruins.
Located on the Eastern point of Barbados, this Lighthouse was
supposed to be only 30 feet tall because of the 60 foot cliff it
stands on, and cost only 400 pounds. It was to have a fixed light
to it as well. However a 85 foot coral stone structure was erected
on may 1st 1875. It also contained a rotating light that was by run
heavy iron weights that would have to wound up every couple of
hours. Hence the residences to house the light keepers.
Ragged point lighthouse stands 213 feet above sea level. It has a
6th order rotating power beam (Mark II) with lc 6 automatic
lamchanger, photoelectric switch, control panel with test switch,
constant volt battery charger and 6 - 2 volt lead/acid batteries
very similar to souhtpoint lighthouse. The lighthouse has a group
flashing 1 every 15 seconds and it's range is approximately 21
miles. This light is considered one of the most important because
it overlooks not only cobblers reef but a lot of the treacherous
East coast of Barbados. Approximately 22 wrecks were recorded on
cobblers reef from 1825 till the erection of the lighthouse.
Currently the lighthouse is in need of restoration as well. The
victorian looking superstructure is rusting quite badly as can be
seen in the difference in photos from the one in the right corner
in 1985 to the lower ones in 2000.The attached residences are an
eyesore to the area due to vandals as can be seen by the photos.
When this light was first erected the group flashing was reported
to be similar to another known lighthouse. This problem was
corrected immediately by the harbor master at the time so that
there would be no discrepancies or mistakes made by passing
ships.
Of the lighthouses in Barbados, East Point has the most
picturesque view. ), it "offers a spectacular view of the rugged
coastal scenery along almost the entire East Coast of Barbados. In
fact, on a clear day you can see all the way up the coastline to
the northern points of the island such as Cove Bay and Pico
Tenerife.
Off the coast lies Culpepper Island, a tiny island that can be
easily reached at low tide."
To quote from various sources
"Once this lighthouse was the first to welcome traveling vessels
entering the Lesser Antilles from their transatlantic voyages.
Today, the ruins of this once vigilant sentry serve as a point of
interest to visitors. Sightseers can drive right up to the
structure and explore the remains. Located right on a cliff, the
view of the bay is worth the visit. Ragged Point is located just
north of Sam Lord's Castle on the south eastern coast of the
island."
You can drive right up to the lighthouse. This picturesque spot
is worth getting out of the car and exploring and you can walk
around the lighthouse and the ruins and follow the foot path, which
goes to the cliff. The view is awe-inspiring from both sides and
offers some particularly nice views of the wild east-coast
surf.
The strange tower apparatus next to it has a scientific
function—measuring dust that blows across from the Sahara
desert.
The cache container is a 35mm film canister with only a log so
bring your own writing instrument.
The to find the cache, follow the path down the hill and to the
right. The cache is located in the large coral rock formation about
half-way down the hill. Stand with your back to the ocean and look
about eye level where there is a yellowish coloured stone guarding
the hidey hole. Please rehide it as found.
Enjoy the area!
Small note on cache maintenance: geocacher
Peabody has graciously offered to assist. Thanks!