History Mysteries: The Lost Lighthouse Keepers of Flannan Isle

Thu Mar 19 2026 at 01:30 pm to 03:30 pm UTC+00:00

Seventeen Nineteen | Sunderland

17Nineteen Society
Publisher/Host17Nineteen Society
History Mysteries: The Lost Lighthouse Keepers of Flannan Isle
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Join historian Stuart Miller on a monthly cold case, deep dive, and help him solve some of the world's biggest mysteries.
About this Event

Will you join historian Stuart Miller while he dives (feet first ) into a mind-boggling array of mysteries….? With your expert help, by the end of the session Stuart will aim to close the case and solve some of the world’s biggest conundrums?

The format will be an illustrated presentation and discussion starting at 1.30pm and concluding at 3.30pm - with a break for coffee, tea and our famous scones.

Spaces are limited, so booking advised. £5.00per person to be paid on the day. The café will be open for hot and cold drinks and sweet treats


Cold Case 6: The Lost Lighthouse Keepers of Flannan Isle

The Flannan Isle Lighthouse was built in 1899 on the top of a rocky cliff on the remote ‘rock’ of Eilean Mor. In early December 1900, Donald MacArthur, Thomas Marshall, and James Ducat arrived at the lighthouse to begin their two-week rotation as lighthouse keepers. Robert Muirhead (the Superintendent of Lighthouses), came with them to do a routine check and to make certain that everything was in working order. Whilst there he also spoke with Ducat about the heavy mist that commonly surrounded the island causing extra problems.

This was the last time MacArthur, Marshall and Ducat were ever seen!


Case notes...

Possible suspects and theories include: killed pirates, a huge wave, high winds, they left under their own accord, kidnapped - and the most likely (in Stuart's humble opinion) they were eaten by a giant SEAMONSTER!

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Seventeen Nineteen, Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00 to GBP 6.13

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