The Lighthouse
In 1826, when Grace was 10 years old, she and her family moved to Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands in Northumberland.
It was well designed and comfortable, with a ground floor as an all purpose living – room. From here a spiral staircase winds up to three circular bedroom floors, up until the lantern at the top.
Here, the Darlings took turns keeping watch through the night, whilst it was also used a one-room school conducted by Mr Darling for his children. Grace was taught to read and write, and also learnt to knit, spin and sew. Grace's sister believed that this education helped her in her deed, ‘...The sterling
character of William Darling, and of his daughter, and the result of the
education which she had from him, were then signally displayed.’She also took on an enormous role in the lighthouse, which she states in a
letter, ‘You will perhaps be aware that our duty as Light-keepers requires one
person to be in attendance at this season almost every hour out of the 24,
Sunday to Saturday.’Ultimately,
the role of lighthouse keeper was reserved for men however, she took on tasks considered
masculine, as she ‘...helped
her father, effectively acting as assistant keeper and often sharing the
watch.’