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South Shields Lighthouse

S Pier, South Shields NE33 2JS, UK

Name and Location

The South Shields Lighthouse is located at the southern end of South Pier in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England, UK (S Pier, South Shields NE33 2JS).

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed during the Victorian era, specifically between 1879 and 1882. The original tower stood at an impressive height of 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 28 meters (92 feet). The lighthouse has a rich history and serves as a significant maritime landmark.

Architecture and Materials

The South Shields Lighthouse is designed in a classic lighthouse style, featuring a cylindrical shape with a white-painted exterior and a lantern room atop. The tower is constructed from limestone and brickwork, providing stability and durability against the harsh North Sea weather conditions.

Light and Navigation

The original light exhibited a characteristic of Fl (3) W 15s, indicating a flashing white light every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers). Although the lighthouse is no longer fully operational, it still plays an important role in maritime navigation.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via public transportation or on foot from the nearby South Shields town center. The surrounding area offers various attractions, including the South Shields Pier and the National Museum of the Sea at Hartlepool.

Notable Views and Landscape

No information available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No relevant stories available to share.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century, marking the end of manual operation by its keepers. Today, the structure serves as a prominent tourist attraction and a testament to the region's rich maritime heritage.

Further Information

The South Shields Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and is included in the National Historic Records Office's database. For further reading, please consult the Wikipedia article or relevant maritime history texts.

Details

NameSouth Shields Lighthouse
CitySouth Shields
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates55.0112087, -1.4010801
Year of construction1882
Storiesby exploring the South Shields Lighthouse, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the region's rich maritime history and the important role it has played in shaping the local community
Architectural styleclassic lighthouse style
Construction materiallimestone and brickwork
Focal height28
Tower height25
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionby public transportation or on foot from the nearby South Shields town center
Accessibletrue
Facilitiestoilets, cafe, gift shop
Nearby attractionsSouth Shields Pier, National Museum of the Sea at Hartlepool
Light characteristicFl (3) W 15s
Light range12
Automatedtrue