Name and Location

St. Bees Lighthouse is located at 1 Trinity House Cottages, Sandwith, Whitehaven CA28 9UY, UK, situated on the west coast of England.

Construction and History

The St. Bees Lighthouse was constructed in 1813, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the UK's west coast. Built by Trinity House, a charitable organization responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of maritime aids, the lighthouse has played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of ships navigating the treacherous waters off the Cumbrian coast.

Architecture and Materials

The St. Bees Lighthouse is an exemplary example of Gothic Revival architecture, characterized by its distinctive octagonal shape and tapering silhouette. The structure's design was influenced by the prevailing architectural styles of the early 19th century. The lighthouse was built using local materials, including sandstone and limestone, which were readily available in the region.

Light and Navigation

The St. Bees Lighthouse is equipped with a powerful light that emits a distinctive flash every 20 seconds, visible from a distance of approximately 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers). The light's characteristics are further defined by its sequence: 1.5+(2)+1.5+(15) seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the St. Bees Lighthouse, although it is not open to the general public. The site offers limited facilities for those interested in exploring the surrounding area.

Notable Views and Landscape

• The lighthouse is situated on a headland overlooking the Irish Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the distant mountains of Scotland.
• The St. Bees Lighthouse is nestled within the stunning natural beauty of the Cumbrian coast, an area renowned for its rugged landscape and rich geological history.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The St. Bees Lighthouse has a rich history of local folklore and legend, with stories of shipwrecks, ghostly apparitions, and other maritime tales being passed down through generations.

Technical and Operational Details

Although the lighthouse has been automated, it remains a vital aid to navigation for mariners, providing crucial guidance through the treacherous waters off the west coast of England. The St. Bees Lighthouse is equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar installation, allowing for enhanced maritime safety and surveillance in the region.

Further Information

Mariners can consult nautical charts to navigate safely through the waters surrounding the St. Bees Lighthouse, which is referenced as A 4710. For further reading on the St. Bees Lighthouse, visit Trinity House's official website or consult relevant nautical charts and historical records.