The file consists of of correspondence between the Engineer to the Humber Conservancy Board (Arthur Ernest Butterfield) and the Lightkeeper for the Hessle Beacons on the subject of the operation and maintenance of these beacons. This includes discussion surrounding issues arising from lack of maintenance, ventilation issues, and problems resulting from the gas supply not being turned down during daylight hours. It also includes First World War (1914–1918) correspondence connected with the failure of the Lightkeeper to extinguish the beacons during an air raid; the lights being noted as being visible from the Lincolnshire side of the Humber.

Following the War, the file includes further correspondence with the Hessle Gas Light and Coke Company regarding the conversation of the beacons from oil to gas fuel.