Londonery Rock

1851: We have understood that those who think the Minot unsafe have been brought to that conclusion by the destruction of the beacon which was erected on the Londoner rock, near Thatcher's island, some three years since, believing or ascertaining the structures to be alike in construction; this is not the case. We know nothing of the manner in which the beacon on the Londoner was put up, nor is that material to the question. We know that the beacon itself was an exact copy of that which was erected at Black Rock harbor, in Long Island sound, in 1843, and which for that place has answered perfectly well, as the experience of seven winters has proved; but we also know that a work suitable in all respects for Long Island sound may be entirely unfit for the Atlantic ocean. The explanation in this case is very plain. The whole height of the beacon was 36 feet. Of this we are to suppose that at least 3 feet was inserted in the rock. The cage at the top of the beacon was made of boiler iron, in strips of 2 inches in width, and the cage was 4 feet in diameter and 9 feet in height. The bottom, therefore, of this cage must have been within 12 feet of the high-water line. Hence, it is easy to perceive that a very slight sea must run over the top of the beacon, and as a consequence be overthrown. The cases are entirely unlike; at the Minot the living-room, the cellar, &c, are entirely beyond the reach of the sea, while at the beacon the whole of the cage must at times have been submerged.

1842: Information from John Davis keeper of Straitsmouth:

Several buoys are wanted in this neighborhood; one on Avery’s rock; one on Oake’s rock, between here and Thacher’s island; and a beacon on the Londoner - all three being dangerous sunken ledges.  A brig belonging to Bangor struck on the Londoner day before yesterday morning, and bilged;  vessel a total loss.  Nearly all the coasting trade pass through this passage, particularly in the winter season.