This unusual building, octagonal in design, is the former harbourmaster’s hut and was built in around 1885. It post-dates the abandonment of the lime kiln which lies immediately beneath. The walls are probably of killas* construction, rendered, with a conical Delabole rag slate roof, which used to have a weathervane. It has four-pane sash windows in seven sides and a four-panel door facing landwards in the eighth. The harbourmaster assisted by a pilot took over the role of dockmaster in 1910 and the role survived until 1999. To the east of the hut is the base and anchoring rings for a flagpole used to signal ships into the outer basin; the flagpole was removed in the 2000s.
* Killas is a catch-all term including stones ranging in consistency from a soft, sandy coloured stone, used in squared pieces, to a hard, dark-grey slate stone that splits into long thin pieces and seems to have been used in the earliest surviving buildings.
If you have enjoyed your history walk around the village please consider making a small donation to help maintain the trail and the history of Charlestown. Thank you.
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