Lighthouses of England's Channel Coast

General Sources
Trinity House

Chartered by Henry VIII in 1514 as a charitable organization, Trinity House has built and operated lighthouses in Britain since 1609.

Lighthouse E-Clips

There is lots of useful information on this site by Michael Millichamp, including his Guide to English and Welsh Lights, an inventory of surviving English and Welsh lighthouses.

Online List of Lights - England

Photos of lighthouses and minor aids to navigation posted by Alexander Trabas; part of his Online List of Lights web site.

Lighthouses in England, United Kingdom

Aerial photos posted by Marinas.com.

Leuchttürme.net - Kent, Sussex Counties

Photos posted by Malte Werning; Hampshire lighthouses are also included in this collection.

Britische Leuchttürme auf historischen Postkarten

Historic postcard images posted by Klaus Huelse.

Association of Lighthouse Keepers

Founded by serving and retired keepers, this lighthouse association is open to everyone.

Isles of Scilly Lighthouses
Note: The Isles of Scilly, located 45 km (28 mi) southwest of Land's End, are accessible by ferry from Penzance. There are five inhabited islands and about 135 islets and rocks in the group. The permanent population is a little over 2000.

Bishop Rock 1858 (substantially rebuilt in 1887) (James Walker (1858) and James Douglass (1887)). Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); two white flashes every 15 s. 51 m (167 ft) round granite tower, incorporating keeper's quarters, with lantern and a helipad built above the lantern. Tower is unpainted gray stone; lantern and helipad painted white. Fog horn (one long and one short blast every 90 s). Jeremy Pearson's photo is at right, Trabas has a great closeup by Joan and Gary Trigwell, and John Jenkins also has a closeup. This is one of the world's most famous and most exposed lighthouses: on one occasion giant waves ripped the fog bell from the gallery. Its completion in 1858, after 11 years of effort, was rightly considered a triumph of British engineering. In 1887, the lighthouse was strengthened and heightened by 12 m (39 ft) by building what amounted to a new tower completely enclosing the old one. The helipad was added in 1973. Keepers manned the station until December 1992. Located on a bare rock pinnacle 6 km (4 mi) west of the Isles of Scilly. Accessible only by helicopter; visible distantly from St. Agnes. Site and tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-010; Admiralty A0002 (the first lighthouse in the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals); NGA 0004. * St. Agnes 1680. Inactive since 1911. Approx. 21 m (70 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. A 2006 closeup is available, the BBC has posted a photo by Beth Hilton, and another good photo is available. One of the oldest British lighthouses, this tower was built for Trinity House by Capt. Hugh Till and Capt. Symon Bayly. The lighthouse is still owned by Trinity House, but the adjacent 2-story keeper's houses are leased as a private residence. The original coal chauffer, an open container used with no lens, is on display at the botanical gardens on the Isle of Tresco. The lighthouse was replaced by the Peninnis Head Light. Located at the highest point of St. Agnes, southwesternmost of the main Isles of Scilly. Site and tower closed, although the lighthouse can be viewed from nearby. Owner: Trinity House; site manager: private. ARLHS ENG-140.

Bishop Rock Light, June 2006 Creative Commons photo by Jeremy Pearson

* Peninnis Head

1911. Active; focal plane 36 m (118 ft); white flash every 20 s. 14 m (46 ft) round steel tower, lower half skeletal and upper half enclosed, with lantern and gallery. Lantern and watch room painted white; skeletal legs and lantern dome painted black. 1-story equipment building. Trabas has an excellent photo by Joan and Gary Trigwell, and Jo Parsons has a good closeup. Located at the southernmost point of St. Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. Accessible by road. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-102; Admiralty A0006; NGA 0008.

Round Island

1887. Active; focal plane 55 m (180 ft); white flash every 10 s. 19 m (63 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white, attached to a 1-story stone keeper's house. Fog horn (four blasts every 60 s). Jo Parsons has a good photo, and a distant view is also available. Located on the northernmost of the Isles of Scilly, a bare rocky island northeast of Tresco. Accessible only by boat or helicopter. Site and tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-118; Admiralty A0018; NGA 0016.

Trinity House Lightship 21 Seven Stones

1958 (Philip & Son, Dartmouth). Active; focal plane 12 m (40 ft); three white flashes, separated by 5 s, every 30 s. 40.5 m (133 ft) steel lightship; the light is displayed from a large lantern on a cylindrical mast amidships. Vessel painted red. Millichamp has a photo taken September 2003 (bottom of the page), and Iris Klempau has a photo of the ship in port. This ship served much of its career on the East Goodwin station in the North Sea off the coast of Kent. It was transferred to Seven Stones in 2003. No longer crewed, the ship is operated automatically. Located on the Seven Stones Reef, northeast of the Isles of Scilly and northwest of Land's End. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-124; Admiralty A0020; NGA 0020.

Cornwall South Coast Lighthouses
Longships (2)

1875 (James Douglass) (station established 1791). Active; focal plane 35 m (115 ft); red or white light, depending on direction, 5 s on, 5 s off, shown day and night. 35 m (115 ft) round granite tower, incorporating keeper's quarters, with lantern and a helipad built above the lantern. Tower is unpainted gray stone; lantern painted white. Fog horn (blast every 10 s). Trabas has a good aerial photo by Murray King Images, Paul Bayfield has a 2008 photo, and Huelse has a historic postcard view. The original light was 24 m (79 ft) above the sea, but it had to be replaced because storm waves so often obscured the light. Even today, great waves sometimes break over the lighthouse: there are dramatic photos taken 10 March 2008 (see the third and fourth row of photos on the page). Located on Carn Bras, largest of the Longships Rocks, about 1.5 km (1 mi) west of Land's End. Accessible only by boat or helicopter; visible from Land's End. Site and tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-069; Admiralty A0028; NGA 0024.

Wolf Rock

1869 (James Walker and William Douglass). Active; focal plane 34 m (112 ft); white flash every 15 s. 41 m (135 ft) round granite tower, incorporating keeper's quarters, with lantern and a helipad built above the lantern. Tower is unpainted gray stone; lantern painted white. Fog horn (one 2.5 s blast every 30 s). The concrete base of an 1840 daybeacon also survives on the rock. Simon Clode has a good photo, Trabas has a view from Land's End taken by Ronald Wöhrn, and Huelse has a historic postcard view. This lighthouse took 8 years to build under very severe conditions. The helipad above the lantern, the first of its kind in the world, was added in 1972. Located on a bare rock about 6.5 km (4 mi) southwest of Land's End. Accessible only by helicopter; distantly visible from Land's End. Site and tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-170; Admiralty A0030; NGA 0028.

* Tater Du

1965. Active; focal plane 34 m (112 ft); three white flashes, separated by 2.5 s, every 15 s. 15 m (50 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white, rising from 1-story service building. Fog horn (two blasts every 30 s). Trabas has a great closeup by Klaus Kern, Tony Kerr has another photo, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse was built after the ship Juan Ferrar wrecked nearby in 1963 with the loss of 11 lives. Located on a headland about 6 km (4 mi) southwest of Penzance. The road to the light station is not open to the public, but the lighthouse is accessible by hiking about 3 km (2 mi) from Lamorna Cove on the Cornish Coastal Trail. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-152; Admiralty A0032; NGA 0032.

* Newlyn Harbour South Pier

1914. Active; focal plane 10 m (34 ft); white flash every 5 s. 10 m (34 ft) round cast iron tower, painted white; the top of the lantern is red and there is also a red band at the base of the tower. Millichamp has a photo (2/3 the way down the page), Trabas has a closeup photo by Klaus Kern, Jon Law has a good closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the pier in Newlyn, on the south side of Penzance. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission. ARLHS ENG-236; Admiralty A0038; NGA 0040.

* Penzance South Pier

1853. Active; focal plane 11 m (37 ft); flash every 5 s, white to the southeast and red in other directions. 10 m (31 ft) round cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern, painted white with a broad black band at the base. Tower prefabricated by the Copperhouse Foundry at Hayle. Trabas has a closeup photo by Klaus Kern, a good 2007 photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the south pier, also called the Lighthouse Pier, near the Isles of Scilly ferry terminal. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Penzance Harbour Authority. ARLHS ENG-240; Admiralty A0046; NGA 0048.

* Marazion

Date unknown. Inactive. Approx. 4 m (13 ft) hexagonal brick castellated tower; the light was displayed through a window. A photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of Leys Lane in Marazion, on Mount's Bay opposite St. Michael's Mount, about 8 km (5 mi) east of Penzance. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-331.

**** The Lizard (2) (Twin towers) 1752 (Thomas Fonnereau). Station established 1619. East tower active; focal plane 70 m (230 ft); white flash every 3 s. West tower inactive since 1903 (lantern removed). Twin octagonal cylindrical stone towers connected by a 2-story stone keeper's quarters; the east tower is 19 m (62 ft) tall with its lantern, 1° Fresnel lens, and gallery. Building painted white. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). The signal station nearby was built by Lloyd's of London to report ship arrivals. Chris Bradley's photo of the east tower is at right, Trabas has a closeup photo of the east tower by Klaus Kern, a photo of the entire station with both towers is available, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has an excellent satellite view. The Lizard, a headland southeast of Penzance, is the southernmost point of the mainland of Great Britain, and this famous lighthouse has been a traditional landfall for ships arriving in England for more than 250 years. Visitor facilities at the lighthouse were operated by the Trevithick Trust for many years. In 2004 the lighthouse was closed for renovations, and during the same year the trust went out of operation. Trinity House then took over the visitor facilities and reopened the lighthouse on May 1, 2005. Located on the point at the end of the A3083 highway (Lighthouse Road) from Helston. Parking provided. Site open, visitor center and tower open daily in the summer and several days per week the rest of the year. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-068; Admiralty A0060; NGA 0064. * St. Anthony's Head 1835. Active; focal plane 22 m (72 ft); white light, 7.5 s on, 7.5 s off; red light is shown to the south southeast over the Manacles Rocks. 19 m (62 ft) octagonal cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery attached to 2-story keeper's house; 1° Fresnel lens. Building painted white; inactive fog signals on the rear of the gallery are black. Fog horn (3 blasts every 30 s). Trabas has a closeup by Klaus Kern, Sebastian de Gange has a fine 2007 photo taken from the water, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse marks the eastern entrance to Carrick Roads, the harbor of Falmouth. Located at the end of Military Road off the A3078 southwest of Portscatho. Parking available. Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse can be viewed at close range. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-141; Admiralty A0062; NGA 0068. * Mevagissey (South Breakwater) 1896. Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); white light, 1.5 s on, 2 s off, 1.5 s on, 5 s off. 8 m (27 ft) hexagonal cast iron tower, painted white; base of the tower painted black. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). A 2007 photo and a closeup photo of the lantern are available, and Marinas.com has aerial photos, but the little tower is hard to spot in a Google satellite view. Located at the end of the south breakwater in Mevagissey, about 7 km (4.5 mi) south of St. Austell. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-234; Admiralty A0078; NGA 0100.

The Lizard, East Tower, April 2008 Creative Commons photo by Chris Bradley

* [Gribben Head]

1832. Never a lighthouse, this is a very large, historic daymarker: a 25 m (84 ft) square stone tower painted with red and white horizontal bands. Neil Hobbs has a 2007 closeup photo, and Paul Love also has a good photo. Located on the headland, about 75 m (250 ft) above the sea about 2 km (1.2 mi) southwest of Fowey; Google has a satellite view. Accessible by walking the coastal trail. Site open, tower status unknown. Owner: National Trust.

* St. Catherine's Point

1904. Active; focal plane 28 m (92 ft); directional light, 2 s on, 5 s off; white light is shown to the southeast over the entrance channel to Fowey Harbour, with red to either side. 6 m (20 ft) round cast iron lantern standing on a short octagonal concrete base. Millichamp has a photo; Trabas also has a good photo. Located on the cliff edge on the west side of the harbor entrance. Accessible by walking the coastal trail. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Fowey Harbour Commission. ARLHS ENG-218; Admiralty A0082; NGA 0104.

* Whitehouse Point

1892; relocated here in 1904. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); directional light, 1.5 s on, 1.5 s off, showing white over the channel, green to the right and red to the left. 6 m (20 ft) cast iron "drum" tower, with a cylindrical enclosure mounted atop a post and an external ladder to the enclosure, all painted bright red. Not much of a lighthouse, but an unusual light tower. Trabas has an excellent photo. Located on the west side of the harbor at Fowey. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Fowey Harbour Commission. ARLHS ENG-217; Admiralty A0084; NGA 0108.

* [Spy House Point (Polperro)]

1911. Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); white or red light, depending on direction, 3 s on, 3 s off. 3 m (10 ft) round brick tower with lantern, painted white with black trim. Trabas has a closeup photo. Located at the entrance to the harbor of Polperro, a small port about 10 km (6 mi) east of Fowey. Site open, tower closed. Operator: unknown. ARLHS ENG-243; Admiralty A0090; NGA 0118.

* [Nailzee Point Fog Signal]

Date unknown (after 1977). Active; two 3 s blasts every 30 s. 3 m (10 ft) square concrete "pillbox," with a square opening in the front, painted white. Trabas has a closeup. Located on the east side of the harbor entrance in Looe. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A0095.

Eddystone and Devon South Coast Lighthouses
Eddystone (5)

1882 (James Douglass). Station established 1698. Active; focal plane 41 m (135 ft); two quick white flashes, separated by 2.5 s, every 10 s. In addition, a red light (5 s on, 5 s off) is shown to the northwest from a tower window at a focal plane of 28 m (93 ft). 51 m (168 ft) round granite tower, incorporating keeper's quarters, with lantern and a helipad built above the lantern. Tower is unpainted gray stone; lantern and helipad painted red. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). Steve Johnson has posted a great photo, Richard Knights has another good photo, and Marinas.com has excellent aerial photos. This is probably the most famous British lighthouse, and indeed one of the most famous lighthouses in the world. The first tower, built of wood, had to be rebuilt one year later and lasted only 4 more years. The third, also wooden, stood from 1709 until it burned in 1755. The fourth tower, a huge advance in civil engineering, was a granite structure built by John Smeaton. Completed in 1759, it stood until cracks in the masonry led to its demolition in the 1870s. Smeaton's tower was rebuilt on Plymouth Hoe, but the base of the original remains next to the current tower. Located on a rock that barely breaks the surface of the sea about 25 km (15 mi) south southwest of Plymouth. Accessible only by boat or helicopter. Site and tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-039; Admiralty A0098; NGA 0132.

* Plymouth Breakwater

1843. Active; focal plane 19 m (63 ft); flash every 10 s; white flashes are shown to the northeast for ships leaving the harbor and red flashes otherwise. In addition, a white light (2 s on, 2 s off) is shown over the entrance channel southwestward from a tower window at a focal plane of 12 m (39 ft). 23.5 m (78 ft) round tower with lantern and gallery. (The top of the tower is a good 38 m (125 ft) above the water, casting some doubt on the listed focal plane heights.) Fog horn (blast every 15 s). Steve Johnson has posted a large closeup, Trabas has a photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. The detached Plymouth Breakwater, a major engineering project of the early nineteenth century, was built in stages between 1812 and 1847. Located at the west end of the breakwater, at the southwestern entrance to Plymouth Harbour. Accessible only by boat. Operator: Cattewater Harbour Commission. Site manager: unknown. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-104; Admiralty A0114; NGA 0148.

* Ocean Court (Hamoaze)

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); quick-flashing light, white, red or green depending on direction. 3 m (10 ft) pyramidal wood tower mounted on a platform atop the corner of the multistory Ocean Court condominium building. Tower painted white with a triangular red daymark (point down). Trabas has a closeup photo, and Google has a satellite view. The light overlooks the Mayfower International Marina, guiding vessels approaching from the west (downstream). Located at the end of Richmond Walk in Plymouth. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A0178; NGA 0274.

**** Eddystone (4) (Smeaton's Tower) 1759 (John Smeaton). Inactive since at least 1882. 22 m (72 ft) tapered granite tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. The lantern, formerly red, is now painted white. Huelse's historic postcard view shows a different pattern. When the current Eddystone lighthouse was built, the upper 2/3 of the 1759 tower was saved for reassembly in Plymouth. Ben Harper's photo is at right, a fine 2007 photo is available, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a good satellite view. Smeaton's tower was the first successful stone waveswept tower and one of the great engineering marvels of the 18th century. It has been carefully restored and recently renovated (2000-02). The nearby Plymouth Dome visitor center was closed in 2007 but will likely reopen after renovations. Located on Plymouth Hoe, a grassy hill overlooking the town and harbor. Site open, tower open daily to guided tours (admission fee). Owner/site manager: Plymouth City Council. ARLHS ENG-091. * Queen Anne's Battery Range Rear Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); directional light, occulting once every 7.5 s, showing white southwestward over the channel, green to the right and red to the left. The light is shown from a small window in a square cylindrical clock tower mounted on the roof of a 2-story building. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of Artillery Place off Teats Hill road in Cattedown, on the east side of Plymouth. Operator: Cattewater Harbour Authority. Site manager: unknown. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-312; Admiralty A0132; NGA 0184. **** Start Point 1836 (James Walker). Active; focal plane 62 m (203 ft); three white flashes every 10 s. In addition, a continuous red light is shown northeastward over the Skerries Bank from a window of the tower (focal plane 55 m (180 ft)). 28 m (92 ft) round cylindrical masonry tower attached to a keeper's house; buildings painted white. Fog horn (blast every 60 s). Three assistant keeper's cottages. Trabas has a fine photo by Klasu Kern, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and and Google has a good satellite view. Three of the keeper's houses are available for overnight rental; the fourth is occupied by a resident caretaker who conducts tours of the light station. The station is somewhat endangered by erosion of the cliff on which it stands; the 1860s fog signal building collapsed in 1989 after being undermined by erosion. Note: there is another Start Point Light in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Located at the end of a sharp promontory that juts eastward into the English Channel about 20 km (13 mi) south of Dartmouth; accessible by car from the A379 at Stokenham. Parking provided. Site open; tower open to tours daily during July and August and during Christmas holidays, and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from early April to June 30 and on bank holidays. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-148; Admiralty A0228; NGA 0324.

1759 Eddystone Light (Smeaton's Tower), May 2005 Creative Commons photo by Ben Harper Start Point Light, July 2007 Creative Commons photo by Richard Sambrook

* Dartmouth Castle

1856. Inactive since at least 1886. Approx. 15 m (50 ft) square cylindrical stone tower, painted white, on the wall of the castle. The lighthouse tower is on the left in this photo. The light was not very useful, since the navigable channel is on the other side of the river entrance. Located on the west side of the entrance to the Dart estuary southeast of Dartmouth; Google has a satellite view. Site open, tower status unknown. Owner: English Heritage. Site manager: Dartmouth Castle. ARLHS ENG-031.

* Kingswear (2)

1981 (station established 1864). Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); directional light, 1.5 s on, 1.5 s off; white light is shown southwestward over the clear channel, green to the right and red to the left. 4 m (13 ft) round cylindrical tower with a conical lantern mounted atop a large rock on the shore; the lights are shown through a rectangular window in the lantern. Trabas has a closeup, and Google has a satellite view. The original lighthouse, atop the cliff, was demolished in 1980 because it had become unsafe; it is said that its foundation, weathervane, and entrance gate are preserved on private property. Located on the north side of the entrance to the Dart estuary at Kingswear, southeast of Dartmouth. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority. ARLHS ENG-311; Admiralty A0236; NGA 0328.

* Berry Head

1906. Active; focal plane 58 m (191 ft); two white flashes, separated by 2.5 s, every 15 s. 4.5 m (15 ft) round cylindrical lantern attached to a 1-story square equipment building. Buildings painted white. Coast Guard and signal stations are nearby. Trabas has an excellent closeup by Klaus Kern, Gordon McKinlay also has a good closeup, and Marinas.com has aerial photos. The light station actually faces north rather than south, as can be seen in a Google satellite view. In Huelse's historic postcard view, the light is flanked by acetylene tanks that formerly supplied fuel for the light. Celebrated as England's smallest lighthouse (it looks more like 3 m (10 ft) in photos), this is nonetheless considered a major light. Located at the end of Gillard Road in Brixham. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-007; Admiralty A0244; NGA 0344.

* Brixham Breakwater (2)

About 1916 (station established 1878). Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); red light, occulting for 3 s every 15 s. Approx. 6 m (20 ft) round cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. Trabas has a good closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the breakwater in Brixham; accessible by walking the breakwater. Operator: Torbay Harbour Marine Services. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-016; Admiralty A0246; NGA 0348.

* [Phillip Lucette Beacon]

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 4 m (13 ft); red light, occulting once every 6 s. 4 m (13 ft) stone column. Trabas has a photo. Not a lighthouse, but obviously a venerable beacon. Located on the south side of the entrance to the Teign, off Marine Parade in Shaldon. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Teignmouth Harbour Commission. Admiralty A0263; NGA 0400.

* Teignmouth (The Den)

1845. Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); continuous red light. 6 m (20 ft) round stone tower with lantern. The tower is unpainted; lantern painted blue. Trabas has a closeup, Brian Sexton has a good photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse also functions as the front light of a range; the rear light is mounted on a black post much like a streetlight. Located on the beachfront at Den Point in Teignmouth. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Teignmouth Harbour Commission. ARLHS ENG-153; Admiralty A0262; NGA 0392.

Dorset (Portland Area) Lighthouses

* Portland Bill (3) Lower 1869 (station established 1716). Inactive since 1906. Approx. 25 m (82 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white, attached to a 2-story annex building. Detached 2-story keeper's house. Ian Wright's photo is at right, Peter Pearson has a great 2007 photo, and Google has a satellite view. Huelse's historic postcard view shows the original appearance of this lighthouse. The Bill of Portland is a sharp cape at the south end of a peninsula, joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and with very dangerous shoals offshore. Three pairs of range lighthouses, built in 1716, 1759, and 1869, respectively, guided ships until replaced by a single lighthouse in 1906. With three standing lighthouses, Portland Bill is one of England's best-known light stations. The lantern of the old lower light was removed, and for a time the keeper's houses were used as a tearoom. In 1961 the complex was reopened as a bird observatory and ecological field station. A short "lantern room" was installed; it serves as an observation point for birds, which tend to concentrate at the Bill during migration. Accommodations are available in the lighthouse and adjacent keeper's house. Located on Portland Bill Road about 800 m (1/2 mi) northeast of the active lighthouse. Accessible by road from Portland, but public parking is some distance away. Site open; tower closed except for paying guests and Observatory members. Owner/site manager: Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre. ARLHS ENG-109. * Portland Bill (3) Higher 1869 (station established 1716). Inactive since 1906. Approx. 12 m (40 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white, attached to two 1-story keeper's houses. Additional 2-story keeper's residence. Ian Wright's photo is at right, Tony Weeks has a fine closeup, and Google has a satellite view. After deactivation, this lighthouse was sold as a private residence. After being vacant and deteriorating for 15 years, the light station has recently been renovated for overnight accommodations. A new lantern (very different from the original) serves as an observation point. Located about 1 km (0.6 mi) north of the active lighthouse. Site open, tower closed except to paying guests. Owner/site manager: The Old Higher Lighthouse. ARLHS ENG-108. **** Portland Bill (4) 1906. Active; focal plane 43 m (141 ft); white flashes with a 20 s period, but the number of flashes varies with direction from one to four. 41.5 m (136 ft) round sandstone tower, painted white with a single broad red horizontal band, attached to a large 2-story keeper's house. Rotating 1° Fresnel lens. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). An additional 2-story keeper's residence is occupied by a caretaker. Ian Wright's photo appears at the top of this page, Trabas has a closeup by Klaus Kern, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a great satellite view. A 7 m (23 ft) triangular pyramidal stone obelisk (1844) is near the lighthouse at the extreme point of the cape. The obelisk is in danger from erosion of the cliff; in 2002 Trinity House proposed to remove it, but canceled its plans after public protests. Site open, tower open to guided tours daily except Saturdays, April through September. Parking provided; the light station is also accessible by buses from Weymouth. Operator: Trinity House. Site manager: The Crown Estate. ARLHS ENG-273; Admiralty A0294; NGA 0448.

1869 Portland Bill Low Light 1869 Portland Bill High Light photos copyright Ian Wright; used by permission

Portland Breakwater (A Head)

1905. Active; focal plane 22 m (71 ft); white flash every 10 s. 22 m (71 ft) hexagonal cast iron skeletal tower with central cylinder, lantern, and gallery, all painted white. Trabas has a closeup photo, a distant view of the breakwater is available, and Google has a satellite view. Information on this historic tower is scarce; it is the only active survivor in England of a type of prefabricated lighthouse that was once quite common. Located at the south end of the detached northeast breakwater of Portland Harbour, one of four segments of breakwater that encircle the harbor. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: Portland Port, Ltd. ARLHS ENG-107(=256); Admiralty A0314; NGA 0464.

Portland Breakwater B Head

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); red light occulting once every 15 s. 8 m (26 ft) square concrete tower topped by a short mast. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the northwest end of the detached northeast breakwater of Portland Harbour. This light and the next frame the north entrance to Portland Harbour. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: Portland Port, Ltd. ARLHS ENG-344; Admiralty A0320; NGA 0468.

Portland Breakwater C Head

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); green light occulting once every 15 s. 8 m (26 ft) square concrete tower topped by a short mast. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the northwest end of the detached northeast breakwater of Portland Harbour. This light and the previous one frame the north entrance to Portland Harbour. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: Portland Port, Ltd. Admiralty A0322; NGA 0472.

* Anvil Point

1881. Active; focal plane 45 m (149 ft); white flash every 10 s. 12 m (39 ft) round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with green trim, attached to 1-story keeper's quarters. 250 mm lens in use; the original Fresnel lens is on display at The Science Museum in South Kensington. The fog signal structure in front of the lighthouse is no longer in use, but the keeper's houses are available for overnight accommodations. Trabas has a good photo by Klaus Kern, another nice closeup photo is available, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a fine satellite view of the station. Located atop a cliff in Durlston County Park, at the end of Lighthouse Road about 3 km (2 mi) south of Swanage. Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse can easily be viewed from outside the walls of the station. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-001; Admiralty A0496; NGA 0544.

Hampshire (Southampton Area) Lighthouses
* Hurst Point Low (Hurst Castle) (2)

1866 (station established 1786). Inactive since 1911. Circular granite tower built on the walls of Hurst Castle (1544). The tower is unpainted; lantern painted dark blue or gray. Werning has a good photo, Nick Grace has a 2008 photo of both low lighthouses, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located at the end of a narrow spit extending into the Solent south of Keyhaven. Site and castle open (admission fee), towers closed. The castle is accessible by passenger ferry from Keyhaven from April through October, or by a hike of 2.5 km (1.5 mi) across the spit. Owner: English Heritage. Site manager: Hurst Castle. ARLHS ENG-253.

* Hurst Point Low (Hurst Castle) (3)

1911 (station established 1786). Inactive since 1997. Square metal tower with lantern and gallery, built on a square skeletal platform straddling the castle wall. Entire structure painted warship gray. Werning has a good photo, Nick Grace has a 2008 photo of both low lighthouses, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located at the end of a narrow spit extending into the Solent south of Keyhaven. Site and castle open (admission fee), towers closed. The castle is accessible by passenger ferry from Keyhaven from April through October, or by a hike of 2.5 km (1.5 mi) across the spit. Owner: English Heritage. Site manager: Hurst Castle. ARLHS ENG-058; Admiralty A0538.

* Hurst Point (High) (2) 1867 (station established 1812). Active; focal plane 23 m (76 ft); four flashes every 15 s, white or red depending on direction; also a directional light, white, red or green depending on exact direction is shown at a focal plane of 19 m (62 ft) over the Needles Channel for ships entering the Solent. 26 m (85 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. The original 1° Fresnel lens is in use for the main light; the directional lights (added in 1997) are shown from high-intensity projectors mounted in the watch room below the lantern. 2-story keeper's house and other light station buildings. Lilys Lucas's photo is at right, Werning has a nice photo, Trabas has a postcard photo, Missy Osborn has a fine photo taken from the castle wall, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. Located near the point, just outside the wall of Hurst Castle. Accessible by passenger ferry from Keyhaven or by walking along the spit from Milford-on-Sea (about 6 km or 4 mi roundtrip). Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse can easily be viewed from outside the walls of the station. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-057; Admiralty A0538.1; NGA 0596. * Beaulieu River (Millennium Beacon) 2000. Active; focal plane approx. 8 m (27 ft); sector light. Approx. 6m (20 ft) round masonry tower with lantern and gallery. Trabas has a closeup photo, and another good photo is available. This lighthouse was built as a Millennium project by the town of Beaulieu. Located on the north side of the entrance to the Beaulieu River from the Solent, about 3 km (2 mi) southeast of Exbury. Site open, tower closed. Operator: unknown. ARLHS ENG-277; Admiralty A0553.15. Calshot Spit Lightfloat Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white flash every 5 s. 11 m (36 ft) square skeletal tower mounted on a round (?) hull. Lightfloat painted red. Located at the former anchorage of the lightship Calshot Spit (next entry), at the western entrance to Southampton Harbour from the Solent. Trabas has a photo. Located about 1.2 km (3/4 mi) offshore. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A0576; NGA 0660. * Lightship 78 Calshot Spit 1914 (J.I. Thorneycroft Ltd.). Decommissioned 1978. 24 m (78 ft) single-masted steel lightship. Iris Klempau also has a web page for the ship, a 2008 photo is available, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. Formerly stationed off Calshot Spit, at the western entrance to Southampton Harbour from the Solent, the ship is now displayed on land at the Ocean Village Marina on Ocean Way at Maritime Walk in Southampton. In late 2007 there was a report that developers were interested in this site and the ship would have to be moved; we need more information on this. Site open, ship closed. Owner/site manager: Ocean Village Marina. ARLHS ENG-021.

Hurst Point High Light, August 2006 Creative Commons photo by Lilys Lucas

* Lightship 1 Mary Mouse 2 (Haslar Marina)

1946. Decommissioned 1993. 36. 3 m (119 ft) two-masted steel lightship; hexagonal skeletal light tower with lantern and gallery amidships. Entire vessel painted green. Built by Philip and Son, Ltd., of Dartmouth. Robin Blair has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. The ship served first as the Royal Sovereign but was posted to numerous stations around the English coast over the course of its career. Sold as a marina club vessel, she was named Mary Mouse 2 for the wives of two directors of the Portsmouth Yacht Club. However, the name Haslar Marina appears on the side of the vessel. The vessel is available for business functions. Located on Haslar Road on the north side of the harbor in Gosport; Marinas.com has aerial photos. Site open, vessel closed except to members. Owner/site manager: Haslar Marina. ARLHS ENG-319.

No Man's Land Fort

1866. Active; focal plane 21 m (69 ft); red light, 1 s on, 1 s off. Approx 10 m (33 ft) octagonal tower with gallery attached to 1-story keeper's house, mounted atop the fort. Lantern removed; light displayed from a short mast. No Man's Land Fort is one of four circular, heavily armored stone forts built off Portsmouth between 1860 and 1885. Each of the forts has a light tower. A photo is available, Trabas also has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the left side of the Portsmouth entrance channel about 4 km (2.4 mi) south of Southsea. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: unknown. Site manager: private. ARLHS ENG-237; Admiralty A0752; NGA 1032.

[Horse Sand Fort] 1866. Active; focal plane 21 m (69 ft); green light, 1 s on, 1 s off. Light on a short mast mounted atop the fort. Trabas has a photo, another photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the right side of the Portsmouth entrance channel about 3.5 km (2.1 mi) south of Southsea. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: unknown. Site manager: private. ARLHS ENG-225; Admiralty A0750; NGA 1028. * Spitbank Fort 1866. Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); red flash every 5 s. Approx. 7 m (23 ft) red lantern centered on 1-story square service building, mounted atop the fort. Werning has a photo, Trabas also has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. The fort is a privately owned tourist attraction. Starting in June 2006, overnight accommodations have been available. Located in the harbor entrance about 1 km (0.6 mi) off Southsea. Accessible only by boat; restaurant visits with transportation from Portsmouth are available Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday during June, July, and August. Owner: Spitbank Fort. Operator: unknown. ARLHS ENG-260; Admiralty A0688; NGA 0948. * Southsea Castle 1828. Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); white light, 1 s on, 1 s off; also a directional light for the harbor entrance channel, displaying continuous red, white or green dependng on direction. 10 m (33 ft) round cylindrical stone tower, painted white with a black horizontal band. Werning's photo is at right, Trabas has a closeup photo by Klaus Kern, and Google has a satellite view. Built atop the western rampart of the castle, marking the east side of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. Site open, tower closed. Operator: unknown. Owner: Portsmouth City Council. Site manager: Southsea Castle. ARLHS ENG-134; Admiralty A0691; NGA 0956.

Southsea Castle Light photo copyright Malte Werning; used by permission

Isle of Wight Lighthouses
Note: Separated from Hampshire by the Solent, the Isle of Wight has an area of 258 square kilometers (100 square miles) and a population of about 135,000. A popular resort area, the island is accessible by air or by ferries from Portsmouth, Southampton, or Lymington.
The Needles (2)

1859 (James Walker). Station established 1785. Active; focal plane 24 m (80 ft); white, red, or green light depending on direction, two 2 s occultations every 20 s. 31 m (102 ft) cylindrical granite tower, incorporating keeper's quarters, with lantern and a helipad built above the lantern. The original 2° Fresnel lens remains in use. Tower painted with red and white horizontal bands. Fog horn (two blasts every 30 s). A good closeup is available, Paul Woolrich has a 2006 photo, a 1982 photo shows the lighthouse before the helipad was added, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse marks the southwestern entrance to the Solent, the protected sound behind the Isle of Wight. Located at the rocky western tip of the Isle of Wight, west of Alum Bay. Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse can be seen from overlooks in the nearby Needles Park. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-083; Admiralty A0528; NGA 0584.

* St. Catherine's Oratory (The Pepperpot)

1328. Inactive since at least 1547. 11 m (36 ft) octagonal cylindrical stone tower with a pyramidal top and four buttresses, making the building look remarkably like a rocket built of stone. A portfolio of photos is available, also a good closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Originally there was a chimney opening at the top of the tower. A fire was maintained on the top floor and could be seen through eight openings. The lighthouse was built by Walter de Godeton, a nearby landowner who was convicted of receiving at least 53 casks of white wine from a ship that had wrecked in the fog on St. Catherine's Point. As punishment, he was ordered to build a lighthouse and an adjoining oratory where priests would say mass for the souls of sailors lost at sea. The lighthouse was apparently in regular operation until Henry VIII closed Catholic religious institutions in 1547. Built atop a high hill, the light had a focal plane of about 240 m (785 ft). Only foundation ruins remain of the oratory. Located near Chale, about 2 km (1.3 mi) north northwest of the St. Catherine's lighthouse (next entry). Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-293.

**** St. Catherine's 1838. Active; focal plane 41 m (135 ft); white flash every 5 s; a continuous red light (focal plane 35 m (115 ft)) is shown from a window of the tower westward over the Atherfield Ledge. 26 m (86 ft) hexagonal cylindrical stone tower with lantern and a medieval-style stone gallery. A similar, lower tower adjacent to the front of the lighthouse is a fog signal tower built in 1932 (fog signal inactive since 1987). The two towers, both painted white, are known locally as the Cow and the Calf. Alistair Young's photo is at right, Trabas has a great closeup, Pete Amass has a nice page for the lighthouse, Huelse has a historic postcard view showing the lighthouse as it appeared before the fog signal tower was added, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse was originally 36.5 m (120 ft) tall; it was reduced in height in 1875 because the light was too often obscured by low clouds and fog. From 1323 to 1530 a navigational light was shown from the tower of a church near the location of the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself escaped damage during a German air raid on June 1, 1943, but the three keepers were killed. Located near Niton at the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight. Site open, tower open to guided tours three to five days each week, June 1 through mid October. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-143; Admiralty A0774; NGA 1064. The Nab 1920. Active; focal plane 27 m (89 ft); white flash every 10 s. 27 m (89 ft) cylindrical steel and concrete tower topped by a helipad and a small red lantern. Fog horn (2 blasts every 30 s). This unusual structure was built for coastal defense in 1918 as part of a project abandoned with the end of World War I. Trinity House converted it to a light tower and used it to replace a lightship station marking the beginning of the approach to Spithead and Portsmouth Harbour. The tower assumed a permanent 3° lean when it was emplaced. An antiaircraft battery mounted on the tower shot down several German aircraft during the Battle of Britain in World War II. Valerie Martin has posted a fascinating article on the history of the tower. Located in the English Channel southeast of Bembridge, just off the eastern end of the Isle of Wight. Site and tower closed. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-082; Admiralty A0780; NGA 1048.

St. Catherine's Light, August 2006 Creative Commons photo by Alistair Young

[St. Helen's Fort]

1866. Active; focal plane 16 m (53 ft); three white flashes every 10 s. Approx. 7 m (23 ft) square pyramidal skeletal tower mounted atop the fort. A photo is available. Located about 1.5 km (1 mile) off St. Helens and 7 km (4.5 mi) south of Southsea. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: unknown. Site manager: private. ARLHS ENG-181; Admiralty A0760; NGA 0944.

* Egypt Point

1897. Inactive since 1989. 7.5 m (25 ft) post light with gallery, centered on a circular 1-story metal equipment shelter. Gallery and base painted white, post red. A 2007 closeup photo is available. This modest but unusual light is very accessible and well known. Located near the northernmost point of the Isle of Wight, on the waterfront in Cowes. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS ENG-180.

Sussex Lighthouses
* Littlehampton East Pier Range Rear (2)

Date unknown (station established 1848). Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); light 6 s on, 1.5 s off, showing white over the channel to the south southeast and yellow toward the south southwest. Approx. 7 m (23 ft) concrete tower with four tapering buttresses and a cylindrical lantern. Werning has a good photo, Trabas also has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located near the foot of the pier, at the end of Pier Road, on the Littlehampton waterfront. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Littlehampton Harbour Board. ARLHS ENG-066; Admiralty A0801.1; NGA 1084.

* Shoreham Middle Pier Range Front

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 8 m (26 ft); white light, 3 s on, 2 s off. 6 m (20 ft) 2-story harbormaster's office with light mounted on the roof. Also on the roof is the fog horn (blast every 20 s) and traffic control lights. Trabas has a closeup photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the middle pier, inside the inlet at Shoreham-by-Sea, about 8 km (5 mi) west of Brighton. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Shoreham Port Authority. ARLHS ENG-313; Admiralty A0814; NGA 1112.

* Shoreham Middle Pier Range Rear

1846. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); white flash every 10 s. 12 m (39 ft) round limestone tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse is unpainted gray stone; lantern is black. Werning has a fine photo, Trabas has a good photo, a wintry photo of the beach and lighthouse is available, and Google has a satellite view. Lantern reconstructed 1985. An active lifeboat station is adjacent to the lighthouse. Located on Brighton Road (A259) near the base of the middle pier in Shoreham-by-Sea, about 8 km (5 mi) west of Brighton. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Shoreham Port Authority. ARLHS ENG-125; Admiralty A0814.1; NGA 1116.

* Newhaven Breakwater

1891. Active; focal plane 17 m (56 ft); white light, two 1 s occultations every 10 s. 14 m (46 ft) round cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a photo, Jason Ryan also has a good photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the long breakwater on the west side of the harbor of Newhaven. Accessible by walking the breakwater, which is popular for fishing and sightseeing. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Newhaven Port Authority. ARLHS ENG-086; Admiralty A0830; NGA 1136.

* #Newhaven East Pier (1)

1883. Demolished 2006. 11.5 m (38 ft) square iron skeletal tower with lantern and gallery; watch room enclosed by wood siding. Trabas has a photo, Werning also has a good photo, This little lighthouse was demolished in early 2006 and replaced by a modern post light (focal plane 12.5 m (41 ft); green light, 5 s on, 5 s off). Not to be confused with another Newhaven East Pier Light on the Firth of Forth in Edinburgh, Scotland. Located at the end of the east pier of Newhaven. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open. Operator: Newhaven Port Authority. ARLHS ENG-235; Admiralty A0832; NGA 1132.

* Belle Toute 1832 (James Walker). Inactive since 1899. 14 m (47 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery attached to modern 2-story residence. Tower unpainted, lantern painted white. Werning has a good closeup, another closeup photo is available, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse was replaced by the Beachy Head Light because its light, shown from atop the Seven Sisters Cliffs, was often obscured by fog or low cloud. The lighthouse was built 30 m (100 ft) from the edge of the cliff, but by the 1990s erosion had brought it nearly to the edge. (A photo is available showing the lighthouse and the vertical cliff.) In 1999 the lighthouse was relocated 15 m (50 ft) inland. In 2007 the lighthouse was listed for sale at £850,000. The Belle Toute Preservation Trust was formed and tried to purchase the lighthouse and convert it to a bed breakfast inn. These plans were approved by local authorities in September 2007, but before funds could be raised the lighthouse was sold in March 2008 to David and Barbara Davison Shaw, who have announced that they will convert the lighthouse to a bed and breakfast inn and tea shop. The new owners also say they think the lighthouse will have to be moved again within the next 20 years. Located off Beachy Head Road about 6 km (3.5 mi) southwest of Eastbourne. Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse can be viewed from nearby. Owner/site manager: private. ARLHS ENG-006. Beachy Head 1902. Active; focal plane 31 m (102 ft); two white flashes, separated by 4 s, every 20 s. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). 43 m (141 ft) tapered round granite tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with a broad red horizontal band; lantern is also red. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a fine closeup, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse replaced the Belle Tout Light (previous entry). Rarely is such a large lighthouse so dwarfed by its surroundings. Located on the beach below the Seven Sisters Cliffs about 5 km (3 mi) southwest of Eastbourne and 2.5 km (1.5 mi) east of the Belle Tout lighthouse. Site and tower closed; the lighthouse is best viewed, with care, from the clifftop above. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-005; Admiralty A0840; NGA 1140. Royal Sovereign 1971. Active; focal plane 28 m (93 ft); white flash every 20 s. Octagonal tower with lantern mounted at one corner of a rectangular 1-story keeper's quarters, all supported by a huge cylindrical concrete column. The roof of the keeper's quarters is a helipad. Tower painted white with a single red horizontal band; keeper's quarters painted white. The station was automated in 1994. Located about 9 km (5.5 mi) east southeast of Eastbourne. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Operator: Trinity House. ARLHS ENG-257; Admiralty A0843; NGA 1144.

Beachy Head Light and the Seven Sisters Cliffs, June 2007 Creative Commons photo by A. Rendle

* Hastings Range Rear

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 55 m (180 ft); continuous red light. 6 m (20 ft) pentagonal wooden tower, painted white; the light is shown through three elliptical windows near the top of the tower. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located on West Hill, on the west side of Hastings Old Town. The area is accessible via the West Hill Lift, a cliff railway that climbs the hill from George Street. Site open, tower closed. Operator: unknown. ARLHS ENG-285; Admiralty A0858.1; NGA 1168.

Information available on lost lighthouses:

•  Freshwater (1786-after 1900), Isle of Wight. ARLHS ENG-295.

Notable faux lighthouses:

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Posted August 9, 2004; checked and revised July 15, 2008. Lighthouses: 56; lightships: 4. Site copyright 2008 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.