Calendar of Patent Records

Abstract

July 14, 1730.—On July 14, 1730, a patent was granted to Captain Robert Hamblin, a shipowner of Lynn, for “a new method for distinguishing of lights, whereby one light erected for the guidance of shipping may be perfectly known from another, and consequently every ship's crew be informed what coast they are off”. The invention was, however, held to be an infringement of the powers of Trinity House, and the patent was revoked. Hamblin also financed the first light-ship, which was established at the Nore in 1732 by David Avery, and again brought him into conflict with Trinity House. The Admiralty agreed, however, that tolls might be levied although the ship itself should become the property of Trinity House.