The UK island that’s the ‘smallest in the world’ 24 miles from mainland Britain

Bishop Rock Lighthouse

Bishop Rock is Isles of Scilly is the smallest island in the world (Image: Getty)

Bishop Rock, a tiny yet remarkable outcrop in the , stands proudly as one of the most in the world.

Located off the Isles of Scilly, just southwest of mainland Britain, this minuscule island measures an astonishing 49 feet long and 16 feet wide.

Despite its diminutive size, it houses a historic lighthouse, earning its title as the world’s smallest island with a building.

The lighthouse on was completed in 1858 after years of planning and construction, becoming a critical lifeline for maritime navigation.

Designed to endure the relentless waves and harsh conditions of the Atlantic, the structure is a true feat of engineering.

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St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, UK

Bishop Rock is located off the Isles of Scilly (Image: Getty)

For over a century, its beam has guided sailors safely through the perilous waters near Cornwall, an area notorious for shipwrecks and strong tides.

Before the lighthouse became fully automated in 1992, Bishop Rock was home to lighthouse keepers who braved the solitude and ferocious storms that battered the tiny island.

Stories of their resilience and endurance in such an isolated setting have become legendary.

With only the vast ocean surrounding the rock, life on Bishop Rock required immense fortitude and a deep connection to the sea.

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Today, Bishop Rock Lighthouse stands as a fully automated beacon, its light continuing to guide ships safely.

Though no longer manned, the structure remains a symbol of safety and human ingenuity. Its unique status as the smallest island with a building has also earned it a spot in the record books and the admiration of visitors and maritime enthusiasts alike.

From its rugged beauty to its critical role in maritime history, Bishop Rock is a tiny giant of the seas.

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