Flat Holm Lighthouse

The Flat Holm Lighthouse was built on the Welsh island of Flat Holm in 1737 by Trinity House. The lighthouse replaced an earlier structure, and its construction marked a significant milestone in the development of maritime safety in the Bristol Channel.

Architecture

• The Flat Holm Lighthouse is a prominent landmark on the island, standing at a height of 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level. Its tower is constructed from local stone and features a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern.
• The lighthouse emits four distinct flashes, each with a period of 10 seconds, and its light can be seen for up to 15 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Flat Holm Lighthouse's primary function is to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the Bristol Channel. Its distinctive flash pattern and high visibility make it an essential component of maritime safety in the region.

Current Status

The Flat Holm Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been automated over time. The lighthouse is no longer used as a manned station, but it continues to play a vital role in guiding vessels through the Bristol Channel.

Location and Accessibility

Flat Holm Island is located approximately 6 kilometers (4 miles) from Lavernock Point in the Vale of Glamorgan. Visitors can access the island via the Zig Zag Path, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including lesser black-backed gulls and slow worms.

Heritage Status

Flat Holm Island has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Special Protection Area due to its unique maritime grassland and rare plant species. The lighthouse itself is listed as a Grade II* building by Historic England.

Notable Historical Events

The Flat Holm Lighthouse played a significant role in the development of wireless communication, with Guglielmo Marconi transmitting the first wireless signals over open sea from the island to Lavernock in 1896. The lighthouse also served as a site for military training during World War II, and its gun emplacements were part of a larger defensive system known as Palmerston Forts.