A wonderful 1973 documentary about keepers on the Bishop Rock lighthouse. What was real lighthouse work like? Lots of long hours away from home, cramped quarters, and discipline.

Keepers needed to ride a rappel rope up/down and haul in supplies until 1976 when a helipad was added. The 3 keepers work 2 months straight on the lighthouse away from family doing 24 hour rotating shifts. They got 1 month off and back they go. This means each person works 56 hours a week – for 2 straight months.

In 1992, the tower was fully automated with only service crews coming in to make repairs and check on the systems. Watching this old footage really gives you a feel for the rough life being a lighthouse keeper on a barren rock was like.