Broadness Light

The Broadness Light is a lighthouse located on the coast of Grays, United Kingdom.

History

• The Broadness Light was constructed in 1884 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners entering the Thames Estuary. The lightstation has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, with the most recent being a major restoration project completed in 2010.

Architecture

The Broadness Light is a traditional Victorian-era lighthouse, constructed from local stone and featuring a distinctive red-painted tower. The tower stands at a height of 12 meters (39 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet). The light itself is a red glass lens, emitting a beam that can be seen for up to 5 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Broadness Light emits a red flash, visible from a distance of 5 nautical miles. The light's period is 5 seconds, making it an important aid for mariners navigating the busy waters of the Thames Estuary.

Current Status

The Broadness Light remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been automated since the 1990s. The lighthouse is no longer manned by a keeper and is instead maintained by a team of volunteers from the local community.

Location and Accessibility

The Broadness Light is located on Bexhill Drive in Grays, United Kingdom. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walkway from the nearby car park. The site offers stunning views of the Thames Estuary and surrounding coastline.

Heritage Status

The Broadness Light has been designated as a Grade II listed building by Historic England, recognizing its importance as a historic landmark and navigational aid.

Notable Historical Events

• None recorded