Name and Location

The Souter Lighthouse is a coastal beacon located in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, North East England.

Construction and History

Construction on the Souter Lighthouse began in 1871 and was completed in 1873 by renowned architect Alfred W. Blunt. The lighthouse is built from granite and has a distinctive red tower, characteristic of many British lighthouses during this era.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive 32 meters (105 feet) tall, built from granite with a distinctive red tower.

Light and Navigation

The Souter Lighthouse originally featured a first-order lens, which produced a fixed white light every 30 seconds (Fl(3)W.15s). Initially, the light was powered by coal, but in 1926, it was converted to electricity. In 1985, the lighthouse was automated, ending the need for manual operation.

Accessibility and Visiting

Today, the Souter Lighthouse serves as a redundant aid to navigation, no longer actively guiding mariners. However, visitors can still access the site through guided tours or self-guided exploration. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the North Sea coastline.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated near the River Wear estuary, providing a unique perspective on the Sunderland skyline. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the coastal scenery and nearby beaches.

Further Information

• * [Wikipedia article on Souter Lighthouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souter_Lighthouse)
• "The Souter Lighthouse" by David Ross, Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums (2015)