Association of Lighthouse Keepers

ALK Archive


The Association of Lighthouse Keepers holds an extensive archive of lighthouse-related material. The ALK archives are held at Bidston Lighthouse.

The archives comprise books, photographs, scrapbooks, logbooks, documents, and other paper ephemera, as well as slides, cine films, videos, and DVDs. These are (mostly) housed at Bidston Lighthouse, and ALK members can access this part of the collection by arrangement with the Archivist.

Access the ALK Online Archives

The catalogue of the ALK Archives is now online and available for members to browse and search. It contains descriptions of more than 15,000 catalogued items covering the material held at Bidston as well as the artefacts kept at the ALK Museum at Hurst Castle. Some items in the online catalogue have digital media attached, such as photographs, documents, video and sound files.

The volume of digital material will grow steadily as we digitise more of the collection, helping to preserve it and make it more accessible. Given the size of the collection and the complexities of copyright and data protection, the task is massive, and volunteers to help with scanning, cataloguing and/or technical support are always welcome.

To access the online archives, you must create an account by clicking the register link and following the instructions.

If you would like to visit the Archives, please contact Mandy Pickles, tel: 0151 653 7816.

Bidston Lighthouse

ALK Archive - Keeping Watch Podcast


Welcome to KEEPING WATCH – a podcast for anyone and everyone interested in lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

Produced and presented by ALK Member Edward Peppitt.

We’ll hear from the ALK’s founder, Neil Hargreaves, as well as from other former lighthouse keepers, authors of books about lighthouses, people born and brought up in lighthouses, archivists, historians and many others interested in lighthouses, their construction, history and service.

Links to YouTube videos mentioned in the podcasts can be found in our ALK YouTube Playlist

Subscribe to the new fortnightly ALK podcast on any of the following platforms

Amazon
Apple
Stitcher
Deezer
Spotify
TuneIn

ALK Archive - Fog Signals


A Collection of Fog Signals

Flat Holm Siren c 1980

Portland Bill Diaphone 1993

Trevose Head Supertyphon 1993

South Bishop 1993

St Anns Head Tannoy 1993

Nash Point Sirens 1993

Nab Tower Bell

Royal Sovereign Diaphone

ALK Archive - Radio / Video Clips