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St Catherine's Point Light

Love Lane

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St Catherine's Point Light (Fowey)
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

St Catherine's Point Light

The St Catherine's Point Light is situated on Love Lane in Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom.

Location and Accessibility

  • The lighthouse is easily accessible by road or foot, with ample parking available nearby.

History

Construction of the St Catherine's Point Light began in 1859 and was completed in 1861.

The tower stands at a height of 28 metres (92 feet) above sea level, while its focal point reaches an impressive 54 metres (177 feet).

The lighthouse is notable for its distinctive red colouration.

Architecture

The St Catherine's Point Light features a traditional lighthouse design with three main lights: one red, one white, and one red.

Each light has a distinct character, denoted by the International Light Symbol (LFl), and operates on a 5-second cycle.

The tower is constructed from local stone and stands at an impressive height of 28 metres above sea level.

Light Characteristics

  • The St Catherine's Point Light emits three distinct lights with varying ranges: 9 miles for the red light, 11 miles for the white light, and 9 miles for the second red light.

The lighthouse is equipped to provide a reliable aid to navigation in the surrounding waters.

Current Status

The St Catherine's Point Light remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its installation.

Visitors can still access the tower and observe the working lights from a safe distance.

Heritage Status

The St Catherine's Point Light is listed as a Grade II* building by Historic England, recognizing its architectural significance and importance in the history of British lighthouses.

Notable Historical Events

  • During World War I, the St Catherine's Point Light played an important role in guiding Allied ships through the English Channel.
  • The lighthouse also served as a beacon for rescue operations during this period.

Details

NameSt Catherine's Point Light
CityFowey
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates50.327168, -4.6471577
Current useactive navigation
Accessibletrue