St. Bees Lighthouse

The St. Bees Lighthouse is situated at Hardmoor Lane in Sandwith, United Kingdom. The lighthouse is easily accessible by car or on foot, with a designated parking area nearby.

History

• The St. Bees Lighthouse was constructed in 1855 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the Solway Firth. The tower's design and construction were overseen by Trinity House, a charitable organization responsible for maintaining lighthouses along the British coast.

Architecture

The St. Bees Lighthouse is a tall, cylindrical structure with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern. The tower stands at 102 meters (335 feet) in height, with a focal height of approximately 130 meters (430 feet). The lighthouse's architecture is characteristic of mid-19th-century British lighthouses.

Light Characteristics

The St. Bees Lighthouse emits a white light that can be seen for up to 18 nautical miles. The light pattern consists of two flashes, separated by a 15-second interval, with a period of 20 seconds between each flash.

Current Status

The St. Bees Lighthouse is currently an automated aid to navigation, meaning it operates without human intervention. However, the lighthouse remains active and continues to serve as a vital navigational aid for mariners in the Solway Firth.

Heritage Status

The St. Bees Lighthouse is listed as a Grade II* building by Historic England, recognizing its architectural significance and historical importance.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War I, the St. Bees Lighthouse played an important role in guiding Allied ships through the Solway Firth. The lighthouse's light was also used to signal the location of German U-boats in the area.