Name and Location

Portland Bill Lighthouse is located on the southern coast of England, situated in Dorset, United Kingdom. It stands tall at 41 meters (135 feet) and serves as a beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters off the Isle of Portland.

Construction and History

The Portland Bill Lighthouse was constructed in 1906 by Trinity House, a charitable organization responsible for maintaining the UK's maritime aids to navigation. The lighthouse is built on a rocky outcrop known as Portland Bill, which juts out into the English Channel. Its strategic location makes it an essential aid to navigation for ships traveling between the ports of Plymouth and Dover.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse features a distinctive cylindrical tower with a height of 41 meters (135 feet). The structure is built from local limestone and has a black-and-white striped pattern, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. A spiral staircase leads to the lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The original optic consisted of a rotating optic system that produced a flashing light every 20 seconds. The light had a range of approximately 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers) and was visible for 141 degrees, with the beam illuminating the sea to the north and northwest. As of [current date], the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation.

Accessibility and Visiting

Due to its remote location, visiting the Portland Bill Lighthouse is not easily accessible by foot or vehicle. However, it remains a prominent maritime landmark for mariners and photographers alike.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse's unique shape and location make it a popular spot for photographers and artists. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and the Isle of Portland.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Portland Bill Lighthouse has been featured in the popular British television series "The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle" (1980), starring the Sex Pistols. Its remote location has also been involved in several notable maritime incidents throughout its history.

Technical and Operational Details

In 2015, Trinity House installed a new solar-powered lantern room, which replaced the original Fresnel lens. The lighthouse is still an important landmark for mariners, but its original optic system has been decommissioned. The Planning Centre of Trinity House in Harwich, Essex, controls the lighthouse.

Further Information