Name and Location

The North Foreland Lighthouse is located in Broadstairs, Kent, England, United Kingdom.

Construction and History

The North Foreland Lighthouse was built by Trinity House, a charitable organization responsible for maintaining navigational aids along England's coastline. The original tower was constructed in 1840 as part of a series of lighthouses aimed at improving maritime safety in the region. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations and upgrades to maintain its functionality and reliability.

Architecture and Materials

The North Foreland Lighthouse stands 57 meters (187 feet) tall, with a red and white striped design that is easily recognizable from sea. The tower's shape is characterized by a cylindrical base and a tapering conical upper section, topped with a lantern room housing the light source.

Light and Navigation

The North Foreland Lighthouse is equipped with four different lights, each with distinct characteristics:

• Main Light: A white light flashing every 20 seconds, visible up to 19 nautical miles (22 kilometers) away.
• Red Sector Light: A red light flashing every 20 seconds, visible only within a specific sector (150-200 degrees).
• Red Beacon Light: A red light flashing every 10 seconds, used for special circumstances such as fog or reduced visibility.
• AIS/DGPS Radio Station: A radio station transmitting AIS (Automatic Identification System) and DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) signals to assist mariners in determining their precise location.

Accessibility and Visiting

No information available.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands on North Foreland, a chalk cliff at the eastern end of Isle of Thanet. The location provides a unique vantage point for observing the English Channel and the Thames Estuary.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No information available.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse serves as a radio station, broadcasting AIS and DGPS signals to vessels in the surrounding waters. This vital service helps ensure the safe passage of ships, particularly during periods of low visibility or poor weather conditions.

Further Information

Trinity House's most prominent lighthouses include the North Foreland Lighthouse. The original tower was powered by a coal-fired fog lamp. In 1981, the lighthouse underwent significant renovations to modernize its light source and radio equipment.