St. Catherine's Lighthouse

The St. Catherine's Lighthouse is situated on Sandrock Road in Niton, United Kingdom.

Location and Accessibility

• Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby road.

History

The St. Catherine's Lighthouse was built in 1838.

It has been an important aid to navigation for mariners and fishermen in the area ever since its construction.

Architecture

The tower of the St. Catherine's Lighthouse stands at a height of 41 meters (135 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 50 meters (164 feet).

The lighthouse features a distinctive white color scheme and is equipped with two distinct light sources: one emitting a white beam with a range of 18 nautical miles and the other emitting a red beam with a range of 13 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The St. Catherine's Lighthouse emits two distinct light patterns, each serving a specific purpose.

The primary white beam is used to guide mariners safely into the harbor, while the secondary red beam serves as a warning signal for vessels approaching the shore.

Current Status

The St. Catherine's Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated in recent years.

The lighthouse continues to be maintained and operated by local authorities to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Heritage Status

The St. Catherine's Lighthouse is a designated historic landmark and is protected under the UK's Historic Environment Act of 1996.

This designation recognizes the lighthouse's importance as an architectural and historical feature of the region.

Notable Historical Events

While no specific notable events are recorded for the St. Catherine's Lighthouse, its construction in 1838 marked a significant milestone in the development of maritime safety in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.