Sunday Times Where Was I? Holiday Competition

The most likely answers this week, seem to me to be

Q1. Plymouth


Q2. Eugenius Birch


(N.B. for question one, the author is most likely standing on the third Eddystone lighthouse (Smeaton's Tower) on a piece of land called Plymouth Hoe but the city itself is just called Plymouth)

From the initial clues given, it is likely that the puzzle compiler and his navigationally challenged friend are standing on the third Eddystone lighthouse (aka Smeaton's Tower) which according to some references, was moved from its original position on the Eddystone rocks sometime after ceasing operations following the discovery of cracks in its structure circa 1877 and was rebuilt on Plymouth Hoe circa 1882.  The Devon museums web site claims that Smeaton's tower is 72 feet high and that it has 93 steps. The structure they are viewing thirteen miles to the southwest of that position on Plymouth Hoe, is most likely to be the fourth Eddystone lighthouse (built c1882 and said to be 161 feet high), which is still in situ on the Eddystone rocks. Smeaton built the Forth and Clyde canal c1768, and it is reported to be around thirty five miles long, though has some fixed bridges now.

From the description, the 1942 film is most likely 'In Which We Serve' written by a prolific author and master practitioner of wit, banter and repartee, Mr Noel Coward (he received a special Oscar for it). It was directed by the great British director, David Lean. Some of the scenes in this picture were shot in the dockyards around Plymouth. Coward is most well known for his portrayal of 'Mr Bridger' in 'The Italian Job' (the original and best version).

The 480 foot long structure is most likely to be Plymouth promenade pier which was built by an engineer called Eugenius Birch (born c 1818). Some references claim that he built fourteen piers. The art deco lido is most likely to be Tinside pool on Plymouth Hoe, it is said to be a semi circle with a 180 foot diameter, which was opened circa 1935. The seventeenth century fortress referred to, is most likely to be the royal citadel, which is still being used by the MOD today. The motto of the city of plymouth is "Turris Fortissima est nomen Jehova"  (cue an outbreak of pythonesque laughter ......are there any wimmin 'ere?......)  this translates roughly as "the name of Jehova is the strongest tower" .


Link to the competition

Where Was I?