Unexpected discovery of mysterious message hidden in ancient lighthouse

Recently, during the renovation of the Corsewall Lighthouse, engineers accidentally discovered a mysterious glass bottle hidden in the wall. What was even more surprising was that this letter was written by the last group of engineers who worked at the lighthouse more than 132 years ago.

Corsewall Lighthouse , built in 1817 near the village of Kirkolm on a peninsula overlooking the Irish Sea, has witnessed many historical stories.

The mysterious letter from 132 years ago was a message from the talented craftsmen who worked here in 1892. (Photo: Ross Russell).

The letter found at the Corsewall Lighthouse was contained in a glass bottle and was written in quill and ink, detailing the installation of the new lantern and lens. The document also contained the names of the engineers and lighthouse keepers at the time.

Ross Russell, the technician who discovered the bottle, said: " This piece of paper is absolutely shocking. I am absolutely amazed to be the first person to touch this bottle in 132 years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery."

The letter is currently being kept at the offices of the Northern Lighthouse Board, the agency responsible for maintaining Corsewall. Once the renovation is complete, the engineering team plans to return the letter to its original location.

At the same time, they plan to write a new message and put it in another bottle to pass on to future generations.

Corsewall Lighthouse was built in 1817.

Back in 1892, engineers from Edinburgh undertook a major project at the lighthouse. They installed a more modern lantern and a new Fresnel lens, which would help guide ships through the mouth of Loch Ryan and the stormy waters of the Irish Sea. Before they were finished, they left a letter as a message to the future. The letter was written on September 4, 1892.

Corsewall Lighthouse was home to the lighthouse keepers until 1994, when the system was automated. Since then, the lighthouse has been operated remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh.