William Henry Blake (1837–1871) was the first New Dungeness Lighthouse keeper. Blake began his term after the New Dungeness Lighthouse was first lighted on December 14, 1858. Blake overcame the loneliness and dreariness associated with the profession of lighthouse keeping, serving for over a decade as the New Dungeness light's only attendant. He steadfastly kept the kerosene lantern lighted each night, and tolled the large bell constantly when fog rolled in to warn mariners away from the spit. In 1862 he married Mary Ann McDonnell. Blake is considered to be one of the first and best examples of commitment to mariners' safety.