Name and Location

The Pendeen Lighthouse is a historic aid to navigation located on the Cornish coast in southwest England. Its coordinates are 50.165000° N, -5.671500° W.

Construction and History

Built in 1858, the Pendeen Lighthouse was constructed to provide a vital aid to navigation in an area notorious for its strong tides and rocky coastline. It has been guiding mariners safely through the treacherous waters of the English Channel for over 160 years.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive 59 feet (18 meters) tall, with a focal height of 17 meters above mean sea level. Its light characteristic is Fl(3)W.15s, meaning it emits a flashing white light every 15 seconds. The Pendeen Lighthouse is constructed from local granite and features a distinctive cylindrical shape with a tapered tower and a square base.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse was automated in 1992, freeing its keepers from the arduous task of manually operating the light. Today, it remains an important part of the region's maritime infrastructure. The lighthouse is equipped with modern Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar installations, which provide vital information for navigators and enhance the lighthouse's role in aiding navigation.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Pendeen Lighthouse is not open to the public for visits. However, visitors can enjoy the surrounding coastline and scenic views from various vantage points. The nearby coastal path offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cornish coast.

Notable Views and Landscape

The view from the top of the lighthouse is breathtaking, offering a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cornish coast, and the surrounding countryside. On clear days, it's possible to see for miles in every direction, taking in the stunning natural beauty of this unique location. The Pendeen Lighthouse stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and isolated coves.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the lighthouse was once haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who died on duty. Today, visitors can enjoy the surrounding coastline and scenic views, taking in the rich maritime heritage of this special place.

Technical and Operational Details

The Pendeen Lighthouse is referenced on several nautical charts, including those issued by the UK Hydrographic Office and the International Hydrographic Organization.

Further Information

• 1. Trinity House. (n.d.). Pendeen Lighthouse. Retrieved from <https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses-and-lightvessels/pendeen-lighthouse>
• 2. Wikipedia. (2022). Pendeen Lighthouse. Retrieved from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendeen_Lighthouse>