Bishop's Rock is a small rocky islet located in the Celtic Sea, approximately 4.5 miles off the coast of Cornwall, England. It is considered the westernmost point of the county and is situated within the Isles of Scilly archipelago. The islet is named after a prominent rock formation that resembles a bishop's mitre, hence the name Bishop's Rock.
With an area of just 0.02 hectares, Bishop's Rock is the smallest of the Isles of Scilly, and one of the smallest in the United Kingdom. The islet is composed of granite and is characterized by its steep and jagged cliffs, rising up to 46 meters above sea level. Due to its exposed location, the rock is often battered by strong waves and powerful tides, making it a challenging place to navigate.
In the 19th century, a lighthouse was constructed on the islet to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters. The Bishop Rock Lighthouse, completed in 1858, is an impressive structure standing at 49 meters tall, making it the tallest lighthouse in the United Kingdom. It is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the time, as it had to be built to withstand the harsh conditions of the area.
Today, Bishop's Rock continues to serve as a vital navigational aid for ships passing through the Western Approaches, providing a warning of the dangerous rocks and reefs in the surrounding waters. The islet itself is not accessible to the public, but visitors can admire the lighthouse from a distance, either from a boat or from viewpoints along the coast of Cornwall.
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Images are sourced within 2km of 50.415678/-5.078381 or Grid Reference SW8161. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.
Bishop's Rock is located at Grid Ref: SW8161 (Lat: 50.415678, Lng: -5.078381)
Unitary Authority: Cornwall
Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall
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