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Trevose Head Lighthouse

GXX7+MW Padstow, UK

Name and Location

Trevose Head Lighthouse is located in Padstow, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.

Construction and History

The Trevose Head Lighthouse was built in 1848 to guide mariners safely through the treacherous waters surrounding the Cornish coast. Over its long history, it has been a vital aid to navigation for over 170 years.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a characteristic example of the early 19th-century Victorian-era lighthouses. Its design features a tall, tapering tower with a distinctive square base and a pyramidal roof. The walls are constructed from local granite blocks, while its interior is lined with brickwork.

Light and Navigation

The Trevose Head Lighthouse emits a white light that can be seen up to 21 miles (34 kilometers) out to sea. The light characteristic is Fl (3) W 15s, indicating a flash every 15 seconds, with three flashes in rapid succession.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse is no longer manned, visitors can access the surrounding coastal path and enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Trevose Head Lighthouse sits at the northernmost point of Cornwall, overlooking the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the coast.

Anecdotes and Folklore

  • Trevose Head has a rich history of shipwrecks, with many vessels having met their demise on the rocky coastline.
  • Locals whisper tales of smuggling and piracy, adding to the lighthouse's mystique.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the 1990s, bringing an end to the era of human keepers. It remains an important aid to navigation for mariners.

Further Information

The Trevose Head Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and cultural importance. In 1985, it was designated as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage, ensuring its protection for future generations. The lighthouse is managed by Trinity House, a charitable organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of lighthouses and other maritime aids to navigation.

Details

NameTrevose Head Lighthouse
CityPadstow
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates50.5492201, -5.0352132
Year of construction1848
EventsMany vessels met their demise on the rocky coastline
Historic significanceMaritime aid to navigation, Grade II listed building
StoriesShipwrecks, smuggling, piracy
Architectural styleVictorian-era lighthouse
Construction materialLocal granite blocks, brickwork
Focal height62
Tower height19
RenovationsAutomated in the 1990s
Access descriptionCoastal path and surrounding views
Accessibletrue
Landscape typeRocky coast, dunes, island
View descriptionStunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
FacilitiesToilets, Café, Gift shop
Nearby attractionsTreacherous waters, rocky coastline
Light characteristicFl (3) W 15s
Light range34
Automatedtrue