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Start Point Lighthouse
Start Point Lighthouse
Start Point Lighthouse
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Start Point lighthouse was built in 1836 to protect shipping off Start Point, Devon, England. Open to the public in summer months, it is owned and operated by Trinity House. It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II listed building.[1]

Key Information

History

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Construction

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Start Point is one of twenty nine towers designed by James Walker. The lighthouse is in the gothic style, topped by a crenellated parapet. The main tower is built of tarred and white-painted granite ashlar with a cast-iron lantern roofed in copper. The tall circular tower is 92 feet (28 m) high with a moulded plinth and pedestal stage and two diminishing stages above that. There are two entrances porches, on the north and south sides. The porch on the south side is blocked and has a 4-centred arch hood mould, whilst the doorway to the north porch has a Tudor arch. Both have raised parapets with Trinity House arms. The inside of the tower includes a cantilevered granite staircase around the inside well of the tower with an iron balustrade completed by a cast-iron newel.

The lighthouse originally had the keepers' living accommodation on the ground and first floors but this was removed in 1871 when new keepers' houses were built, either side of the porches to the north and south. In 1882 another cottage was built, detached from the tower, to the east. All three were designed by James Douglass (though the north and south dwellings were rebuilt in the mid-1950s).[2]

Other nearby buildings were used by the lighthouse keepers, who originally could only get on or off the lighthouse by boat, such as the well-house[3] and piggery.[4]

Optics

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The original main optic consisted of a rotating octagonal array of eight large (first-order) Fresnel lenses, topped by seven tiers of concave mirrors.[5][6] This was the first time Trinity House had installed a dioptric (i.e. lens-based) optic in one of their lighthouses;[7] manufactured by Cookson & Co of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the design was based on the improved dioptric system developed from the work of Augustin Fresnel by Alan Stevenson, engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board.[8]

In 1873, a new lantern was built on top of the tower, designed by James Douglass.[9] In it, a new, more powerful revolving optic was installed, designed by James Timmins Chance: a six-sided symmetrical optic of the first-order, with refracting prisms above and below the central lens elements. At the time its six lens panels (at 60° to the circle) were 'the widest in azimuth hitherto constructed, except some of those of Flamborough Head';[10] the increase in power, compared to the old 45° lenses, was of the order of 3 to 2.[9] Apparatus of the same design were installed the following year in lighthouses at South Stack and Cape Bon.[10]

In addition to the main light a fixed red subsidiary light is shone from a window in the tower to mark the Skerries Bank.[8] This was commissioned at the same time as the main light (though initially it shone white, not red, and from a higher window).[11] The original light source was a single Argand lamp backed by a 21-inch reflector;[5] but, following the 1873 upgrade, it instead used light diverted by means of prisms from the rear of the main lamp.[9]

The lighthouse was powered by oil until 1959, when it was electrified.[8] At the same time the main optic was replaced by a smaller (third-order) catadioptric lens, made up of two groups of three asymmetrical panels, which produced a group-flashing light characteristic.[11]

Work began on the automation of Start Point Lighthouse in August 1992 and was carried out by LEC Marine at a cost of £82,754. It was completed in early 1993. After automation, the south keepers' cottage (which had been damaged by a landslip in 1989) was demolished.[11] The station is now monitored and controlled from the Trinity House Operations Control Centre at Harwich in Essex via a telemetry link.

In 2018 the rotating optic (which had been in use since 1959) was replaced by a two-tier LED lantern;[12] the old lens was put on display in the adjacent visitor centre.[13]

Foghorn

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The light alone was found to be inadequate in fog, and a bell was installed in 1862; the machinery was housed in a small building which still stands on the cliff face to the south-east of the lighthouse.[14] It sounded 48 times every minute, the mechanism being driven by a weight which fell in a tube running down the sheer cliff. A siren replaced the bell in 1877;[8] (the bell was transferred to the lighthouse on Plymouth Breakwater where it still hangs).

The fog siren was housed in a circular building, just to the south of the lighthouse, and sounded (one blast every three minutes)[15] through a roof-mounted horizontal horn which could be turned in the direction of the prevailing wind. The fog signal was upgraded in 1883 by the installation of a two-tone siren; it now sounded thrice every three minutes (high, then low, then high).[16] Around the turn of the century new equipment was installed, including a new pair of 5" sirens sounding through a pair of curved vertical copper trumpets. This was in turn replaced by a more powerful 12" siren in 1928, again housed in the same building, sounded from a pair of conical horns housed in a cast-iron turret on the roof.[17] At the same time a pair of Gardner diesel engines were provided to drive the air compressors, replacing an earlier set of engines.[14]

In 1989, the erosion of the coast caused the fog signal building to collapse. A lot of the area had to be levelled as a result and retaining walls put in place. An electric signal was instead installed on the gallery of the lighthouse (this is itself scheduled for replacement by a more modern system in 2018).[12] When required the foghorn sounds once every 60 seconds.

[edit]
  • The lighthouse complex
    The lighthouse complex
  • The lighthouse seen from the inland end of the peninsula
    The lighthouse seen from the inland end of the peninsula
  • Close up showing masonry construction
    Close up showing masonry construction
  • The lens
    The lens
  • Seen from the South West Coast Path to the west of the lighthouse
    Seen from the South West Coast Path to the west of the lighthouse

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Start Point Lighthouse

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Start Point Lighthouse is a historic coastal situated at the tip of the Start Point peninsula on the south side of Start Bay, near Dartmouth in , , constructed in 1836 by to safeguard maritime traffic navigating the hazardous waters of the . Standing 28 meters tall with its light elevated 62 meters above mean high water, the structure features distinctive , including a battlemented , and was designed by James Walker. Originally equipped with catoptric fixed and revolving lights, the lighthouse was electrified in 1959 and automated in 1993, eliminating the need for on-site keepers. In 2019, it underwent significant modernization, replacing traditional with energy-efficient LED lamps and upgrading control systems for enhanced reliability and remote monitoring from Trinity House's Planning Centre in , . The current is a group of three white flashes every 10 seconds (Fl(3) 10s), with an intensity of 60,000 and a range of 18 nautical miles, complemented by a fixed red subsidiary light marking the nearby Skerries Bank hazard. Historically, the site addressed long-standing shipping risks in the area, first proposed in 1636, though construction proceeded only after parliamentary approval in amid rising maritime . Early additions included a fog bell in the 1860s, later upgraded to a siren in the 1870s, and internal modifications in 1871 to improve living quarters by removing intermediate floors. A notable incident occurred in 1989 when the original fog signal building collapsed due to , prompting the installation of a new stack. Today, Start Point remains an active aid to navigation, painted white with two horizontal black bands for daytime identification, and is open to the public during summer months via guided tours from its visitor centre, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline. The surrounding area, part of the , highlights the lighthouse's role in a region prone to shipwrecks and dramatic seascapes, underscoring its enduring importance to safety at sea.

Location and Setting

Geographical Position

Start Point Lighthouse is situated on the southern tip of the Start Point peninsula in the district of , , at coordinates 50°13.344′N 3°38.539′W. The lighthouse's grid reference is SX8294237116. This rocky promontory extends approximately one mile southward into Start Bay, a sub-bay of along the , marking a prominent on the south coast. The site features dramatic cliffs formed from the schistose rocks of the Start Complex, the oldest geological formation in Devon, comprising primarily greenstone and hornblende schist that create rugged, steep slopes rising to about 62 meters above mean high water—the focal height of the light. These cliffs, characterized by craggy outcrops and jutting rocks, drop sharply to a narrow and small below, contributing to the area's exposure to fierce southwesterly gales and . The peninsula's isolated, windswept environment underscores its role in guiding vessels through hazardous sections of the shipping routes. The lighthouse lies roughly 10 kilometers southeast of the towns of Dartmouth and , accessible via coastal paths from the nearby village of Stokenham, and serves as a key landmark for maritime navigation in Start Bay.

Maritime Significance

Start Bay, encompassing the area around Start Point in , , has long been notorious for its maritime hazards, including rocky shores, strong tidal currents, and the offshore Skerries Bank, which have led to numerous shipwrecks over centuries. Before the construction of Start Point Lighthouse in 1836, the region experienced frequent maritime disasters due to these dangers exacerbated by increasing shipping traffic; documented wrecks include the HMS Crown Prize in 1692 near the River Dart, with 21 lives lost, the Spanish galleon in 1700, and the ship De Boot in 1733 at nearby Prawle Point, carrying valuable cargo. Historical records indicate at least 34 wrecks between Prawle Point and Start Point, highlighting the perilous conditions that prompted calls for a navigational aid as early as 1542, though wartime concerns delayed action until the Admiralty's formal application in 1827. The lighthouse's primary navigational role is to serve as a critical marker for vessels approaching the from the west, guiding ships safely around the exposed Start Point peninsula and alerting them to the surrounding reefs and banks. Positioned at the end of a rugged extending nearly a mile into the sea, it provides essential direction for traffic along one of England's most treacherous coastlines, where southwesterly gales and tidal races have historically imperiled mariners. By illuminating the hazards that previously claimed countless vessels, Start Point Lighthouse has significantly enhanced safety in this high-risk area, contributing to a marked decline in accidents following its activation, though exact pre- and post-construction wreck statistics remain elusive in available records. As part of Trinity House's network of aids to navigation along the south coast, Start Point integrates with regional lighthouses such as Berry Head to the east, offering complementary guidance for vessels transiting Start Bay and the broader Channel approaches. This coordinated system ensures comprehensive coverage, reducing the isolation of any single site and bolstering overall in a region vital to international shipping routes.

History

Origins and Construction

The planning for Start Point Lighthouse originated in the early 1830s, driven by the need to mark the dangerous Start Point peninsula, a notorious hazard for shipping in Start Bay due to its rocky shores and exposure to southwesterly gales. , the authority responsible for England's lighthouses, debated the optimal location between Start Point and the nearby Prawle Point before selecting Start Point for its strategic visibility across the channel. The design by James Walker, Trinity House's chief engineer from 1825 to 1862, was approved in 1834 following recommendations from a parliamentary select committee on lighthouses that year, which expanded 's mandate for new constructions. Walker's design drew on the Gothic Revival style, featuring a battlemented and robust detailing to enhance durability against the site's severe weather and ; he ultimately designed 29 lighthouses for , including this one as an exemplar of his engineering approach. Construction commenced in 1836 on the exposed rocky headland, utilizing large blocks of local to build the 28-meter-high cylindrical tower surmounted by a gallery. The foundation work involved excavating and securing the base into the solid terrain to withstand wave impact and seismic stresses, a process that demanded precise techniques typical of 19th-century lighthouse builds. A of approximately 40 laborers completed the structure within the year, reflecting efficient organization under Walker's oversight despite logistical challenges from the remote, wind-swept location. The lighthouse entered service in late 1836, with its initial fixed and revolving white lights first exhibited to guide vessels past the nearby Skerries Bank. Staffing began with a principal keeper and two assistants appointed by , who resided in the integrated accommodation within the tower and ancillary buildings. Early operations were hampered by the peninsula's isolation, as keepers relied solely on boat landings for supplies and relief, often delayed by rough seas; this remoteness contributed to morale issues and maintenance difficulties in the lighthouse's inaugural years, underscoring the demanding conditions of remote 19th-century stations.

Developments and Upgrades

In 1871, significant modifications were made to the lighthouse to improve living conditions for and enhance the structure's functionality. The original accommodation within the ground and first floors of the tower was removed, and new keepers' houses were constructed nearby, providing dedicated residences separate from the tower. These changes, which included the removal of intermediate floors to allow for better internal access and the installation of a new lantern, were part of broader standardization efforts at stations. To address visibility limitations in poor weather, a fog-signaling bell was installed in the , housed in a purpose-built structure on the cliff face and operated by a falling weight mechanism. This was replaced approximately 15 years later in the 1870s with a more powerful siren, reflecting advances in acoustic signaling technology for maritime safety. The siren was mounted in a round building adjacent to the tower, improving audibility for vessels navigating the hazardous Start Point waters. The lighthouse underwent further modernization in 1959 with the of its system, transitioning from traditional lamps to sources. This upgrade incorporated a third-order fixed and rotating lens optic, significantly enhancing the light's intensity and reliability while reducing maintenance demands on the keepers. Ongoing posed challenges to the site's infrastructure throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prompting structural reinforcements integrated into the 1871 alterations, such as strengthened foundations and retaining elements to stabilize the tower against the erosive forces of the . These measures helped preserve the lighthouse's integrity amid the area's unstable geology.

Automation

The automation of Start Point Lighthouse marked the transition to unmanned operation, a process initiated in August 1992 by LEC Marine and completed in early 1993 at a total cost of £82,754. This upgrade replaced manual oversight with automated systems, including a link for , eliminating the need for on-site keepers after more than 150 years of manned service. The remaining keepers were withdrawn upon completion of the works in early 1993, ending the station's manned era; the lighthouse had previously operated with a reduced staff complement in its final years. Post-automation monitoring and control shifted to Trinity House's Operations and Planning Centre in , , allowing centralized oversight of the light and associated aids to navigation. This remote setup relied on reliable electrical systems, building on prior efforts from the mid-20th century. As part of the 1993 upgrades, a free-standing electric signal stack was installed following the 1989 collapse of the original signal building due to . The new system activates during low , emitting a blast every 30 seconds to warn vessels, with a range of 1 . The shift to had notable impacts on the site, including the decommissioning of the keepers' living quarters. The south cottage, severely damaged by a 1989 landslip, was demolished shortly after , while the north quarters were repurposed or left unused, reflecting the site's conversion to a purely operational facility without resident staff. No major structural modifications were required for remote access, as the infrastructure integrated seamlessly with existing tower features.

Physical Description

The Tower

The Start Point Lighthouse features a cylindrical tower standing 28 metres (92 feet) tall, painted white with a black house to enhance daytime visibility. Constructed from local blocks that are tarred at the base and whitewashed above, the tower includes a cast-iron room roofed in for durability against coastal exposure. The structure embodies , designed by engineer James Walker in 1836, with distinctive elements such as a moulded plinth, pedestal stage, two diminishing stages, and a corbelled embattled . These features, including rectangular and round-headed window openings and blind panels, contribute to its robust yet ornate appearance, topped by insignia on the parapets. Internally, the tower houses a cantilevered spiral staircase encircling the central well, equipped with an iron balustrade and cast-iron post, providing access to service rooms; original keepers' accommodation on intermediate floors was removed in to create additional . Two entrance porches—one with a Tudor arch on the north side and a blocked on the south—facilitate access while maintaining structural integrity. The solid construction and tapered enable the tower to endure the severe gales and salt-laden winds of its exposed location, serving as a reliable through its high-contrast white tower and black for mariner identification in daylight.

Ancillary Structures

The ancillary structures at Start Point Lighthouse support the site's historical operations and modern functions, forming a complex of buildings developed primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries around the main tower. These include residential quarters for keepers, utility facilities, and protective infrastructure, adapted over time due to and . The keepers' cottages, essential for housing lighthouse personnel and their families, were constructed as pairs in 1871 to replace earlier accommodations within the tower itself, with an additional single cottage built in 1882 for the principal keeper. These structures, located adjacent to the tower within a walled , provided self-sufficient living spaces, including areas for gardens and . Following in 1993, the surviving cottages—now known as Landward and —have been converted into holiday rentals managed by Rural Retreats, accommodating up to 11 guests combined and contributing to at the site. The fog signal building, originally a small cliff-face structure erected in the 1860s to house early warning equipment, underwent modifications through the before succumbing to . It collapsed in December 1989, prompting the leveling of the site, construction of a new , and installation of a free-standing fog signal stack to support contemporary equipment. Utility buildings from the oil era include storage facilities for lamp fuel, which powered the light until electrification in 1959, and an that operated until the adoption of an electric fog signal in the late , after which it was abandoned. A well house, built circa immediately northwest of the tower, features a rendered stone structure with a roof and for rainwater collection, ensuring a reliable . Further afield, a piggery to around , constructed of stone rubble into the hillside, supported the keepers' self-sufficiency by housing . Site infrastructure encompasses 19th-century boundary walls forming a protective enclosure around the keepers' quarters and acting as a cliff-edge , alongside a half-mile private tarmac drive from the main road shared with the . A narrow access path, bounded by a low white wall, descends to a nearby for historical use by keepers. Post-automation, these elements, including perimeter safety features, facilitate limited public access and maintenance, with structures like the former repurposed for storage.

Lighting System

Historical Optics

The original lighting system at Start Point Lighthouse, commissioned in 1836, incorporated a pioneering first-order catadioptric manufactured by Cookson & Co. of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, marking the first such dioptric optic installed by in . This fixed lens, augmented with revolving elements, was powered by oil-burning lamps and emitted a steady white light supplemented by a red sector to highlight the hazardous Skerries Bank. Around 1870, the optic was upgraded with an enhanced first-order lens supplied by , which boosted the light's intensity and operational reliability through improved prismatic construction and alignment. The transition to occurred in 1959, coinciding with the installation of a third-order fixed and rotating catadioptric lens that elevated the system's output to 815,000 . Prior to the adoption of LED technology, this configuration produced a white flash every 5 seconds, with the red sector visible for 9 nautical miles and the white light reaching 25 nautical miles. Maintaining these historical optics involved notable challenges, particularly the careful management of mercury floats that supported the lens to minimize , as well as ensuring adequate ventilation to dissipate and prevent soot accumulation from the oil wicks.

Current Light Characteristics

In 2019, Trinity House completed a major modernization of Start Point Lighthouse, converting the lighting system to an energy-efficient LED lantern that replaced the previous optic installed in 1959. The decommissioned 1959 optic was relocated to the lighthouse's visitor centre for public display. This upgrade enhances reliability and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining essential navigational guidance for vessels in Start Bay. The current light exhibits a group flashing white characteristic, denoted as Fl(3) 10s, with three flashes every 10 seconds, visible at a focal height of 62 meters above mean high water. A red sector light, positioned lower at 55 meters focal height, marks the hazardous Skerries Bank, providing directional warnings over dangerous areas. The main white light has an intensity of 60,000 and a nominal range of 18 nautical miles, while the red sector extends to 9 nautical miles. The system operates on a 230V AC mains power supply, incorporating low-power LED technology for reduced energy consumption compared to historical incandescent or halogen setups. A backup power source ensures continuous operation during outages. Remote monitoring and control are managed from Trinity House's Planning Centre in Harwich, Essex, with integrated automatic fault detection to alert operators of any issues, minimizing on-site interventions. This LED configuration contributes to environmental benefits by lowering overall energy use and eliminating the need for frequent bulb replacements, thereby reducing waste and operational relative to the lighthouse's prior systems.

Fog Warning System

Evolution of Fog Signals

The fog warning system at Start Point Lighthouse began with the installation of a hand-rung bell in 1862, as the light alone proved insufficient during foggy conditions. This bell was operated manually by the lighthouse keepers, who struck it repeatedly to alert vessels, with the mechanism housed in a small building carved into the cliff face and powered by a descending weight in a vertical tube. In 1877, the bell was upgraded to a steam-powered siren to provide a louder and more audible signal, addressing the limitations of the earlier device especially for steamships navigating the hazardous Start Bay area. The siren marked a significant improvement in range and reliability, sounding at regular intervals during poor visibility and integrated into the keepers' routine alongside light maintenance. The siren remained in use with periodic upgrades until the late . The fog signal infrastructure faced a major setback in December 1989 when caused the collapse of the dedicated signal building, necessitating the temporary relocation of equipment to a free-standing stack while the site was stabilized with a new . This event underscored the ongoing challenges of maintaining fog warnings amid the peninsula's exposed , though the system's integration with operations ensured continued manual oversight by keepers until later transitions.

Present-Day Fog Signal

The present-day fog signal at Start Point Lighthouse is an electric horn system, installed as a free-standing stack in 1993 following the collapse of the original fog signal building due to in 1989. This setup replaced earlier mechanical systems and was modernized in 2018 to enhance reliability and integration with automated operations. The signal emits a single blast of 3 seconds' duration every 30 seconds to alert vessels in or reduced . Positioned adjacent to the lighthouse tower on the headland, it complies with International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards for signals, providing an audible range of approximately 1 in typical foggy conditions. Power is supplied electrically with backup systems to ensure continuous operation, and the entire setup is monitored and controlled remotely from Trinity House's Planning Centre in , . Maintenance involves annual inspections by engineers to verify sensor functionality, structural integrity, and weatherproofing against the site's extreme coastal exposure, including high winds and salt corrosion. These routines minimize on-site interventions, supporting the lighthouse's fully automated status since 1993.

Operations and Management

Keepers and Daily Life

The Start Point Lighthouse was initially staffed by two keepers upon its commissioning in 1836, but by the mid-, the staffing structure expanded to include a principal keeper and one or more assistant keepers to manage the demanding operations of this exposed coastal station. By the late , the typical complement had grown to three keepers—a principal keeper (PK), first assistant keeper (AK), and second assistant keeper (SAK)—who operated on rotating shifts, often four hours on watch to ensure continuous vigilance over the light and fog signals. This structure allowed for relief during the relentless routine, with keepers like William Jones serving as PK from 1882 to 1892 and David Briggs as AK from 1882 to 1900. Daily duties for the keepers revolved around maintaining the lighthouse's reliability in harsh conditions, beginning before dawn with the manual winding of the lamp mechanism to power the revolving light, followed by meticulous cleaning and polishing of the catadioptric lenses to prevent soot accumulation that could dim the beam. Throughout the day, they operated the fog signal—initially a bell installed in the and later a siren from the —while keeping detailed logs of observations, vessel traffic, and equipment status; emergency responses, such as signaling distress or aiding , were also part of their responsibilities, as evidenced by AK Briggs witnessing the wreck of the s.s. Marana on 9 March 1891. Evenings ended with extinguishing the light at dawn and preparing for the next cycle, a regimen that demanded precision to safeguard mariners along the treacherous Start Bay. Living conditions at Start Point reflected the remote isolation of the , with keepers and their families residing in purpose-built cottages within a walled adjacent to the tower, described in a 19th-century travelogue as "a substantial house, connected with the tall circular tower... all nicely whitened" near the cliff edge. Additional accommodations were constructed in 1871 to house the growing number of families, allowing keepers like Richard Turner Ayers (AK 1892–1900) to raise children such as Richard H. (born 1894) and Violet E. (born 1898) on-site, while self-sufficiency was key—families grew vegetables on the cliffs, kept in pigsties and cow houses, and supplemented provisions via boat landings at a nearby or overland by and from the mainland. By 1882, three keepers and their dependents lived at the station, enduring the peninsula's exposure to fierce storms that tested the structures' resilience. The social life of the keepers was marked by profound isolation, with limited contact to the mainland communities of Stokenham or Kingsbridge, relying on occasional relief boats or foot travel along rugged paths for mail, supplies, and rare social visits that broke the monotony of shift work and family routines. This seclusion fostered a tight-knit community among the resident families but also amplified the psychological strains of confinement, particularly during prolonged gales that severed all external links. The advent of automation in 1993 ultimately dissolved this longstanding keeper community, ending over 150 years of manned service and the unique familial bonds tied to the lighthouse's daily guardianship.

Modern Operations

Since its in 1993, Start Point Lighthouse has been fully unmanned and operated remotely from Trinity House's Planning Centre in , , providing 24/7 oversight through a link that monitors light, power, and fog signal functionality. This system enables real-time detection of any operational anomalies, ensuring continuous navigational support without on-site personnel. Maintenance is conducted by technicians through routine visits, simplified by the 2019 modernization that introduced LED lanterns for the main light and a new hazard warning signal, reducing the need for frequent interventions while enhancing durability against the site's exposed coastal conditions. The upgrades also included a rebuilt fog signal stack and associated equipment, following the 1989 collapse of the original structure due to cliff erosion. In contemporary navigation, the lighthouse supplements GPS and AIS systems, transmitting its own AIS signal to aid vessel positioning, particularly for smaller craft in areas where satellite signals may be less reliable. Its white flashing light, visible for 18 nautical miles, remains a critical visual reference in Start Bay. Emergency protocols include standby power supplies to maintain operations during outages, with rapid deployment of response teams from for any faults detected via remote . The station's reliability has been bolstered by the 2019 enhancements, achieving consistent performance in harsh weather. To address climate change impacts, particularly ongoing , Start Point is subject to annual risk assessments under Trinity House's 20-year adaptation strategy, which incorporates monitoring and structural reinforcements like the post-1989 to safeguard the site's integrity.

Heritage and Access

Listing and Preservation

Start Point Lighthouse is designated as a Grade II listed building by , with the listing granted on 25 March 1991 in recognition of its special architectural and historic interest. The structure's design incorporates a tall circular tower, a cast-iron lantern with copper canopy, and distinctive Gothic Revival elements such as a cantilevered staircase and battlemented , reflecting the era's architectural trends in maritime engineering. As one of 29 lighthouses designed by James Walker for between 1820 and 1846, Start Point exemplifies the organization's adoption of Gothic Revival aesthetics in its portfolio of navigational aids, blending functional durability with ornamental features like the arms on its porches. This archival significance underscores its role in preserving 19th-century innovations in lighthouse construction, including the pioneering use of dioptric lenses installed in 1836 as the original optic. The lighthouse faces ongoing preservation challenges from its exposed coastal position, including severe weather damage and that threatens structural integrity. In December 1989, caused the collapse of the adjacent fog signal building, prompting to level the site, erect a new for cliff stabilization, and install a free-standing fog signal to mitigate further risks. Restoration efforts in the late 20th and 21st centuries have focused on maintaining the tower's heritage while adapting to modern needs; following the 1989 incident, the keepers' dwellings were partially repurposed or removed to enhance site stability. In 2019, undertook a comprehensive re-engineering project, replacing the original rotating optic with energy-efficient LED lamps and upgrading electrical systems, thereby extending the lighthouse's operational life by approximately 20 years without altering its external Gothic profile. Within the broader context of UK maritime heritage, Start Point Lighthouse serves as a vital historical marker for safe passage along the English Channel, contributing to Trinity House's legacy of over 600 years in protecting seafarers and embodying national efforts to safeguard iconic coastal structures.

Visitor Information

Public access to Start Point Lighthouse is seasonal and limited to guided tours operated by the visitor centre, typically open on the first Sunday of each month from April to September, subject to weather and operational requirements. Tours depart hourly from 11:00 to 15:00, lasting approximately 45 minutes, and include a climb to the lantern room for panoramic views, along with exhibits detailing the lighthouse's history and optical systems. Advance booking is not required for standard tours, though private group or school visits can be arranged in advance by contacting the centre at 01803 771802. Visitors park at the Start Point car park (TQ7 2ET), which is open year-round with seasonal fees applying from to , and undertake a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) easy walk along the former lighthouse access road to reach the site. The tour costs £8.50 for adults, £6.00 for children (aged up to 16 and at least 1.1 m tall), and £20.00 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children); cash payment is required, and sensible footwear is mandatory as tours involve unaided . is limited due to the steep descent and numerous steps, and tours may be cancelled in poor weather; children must be supervised at all times. The site offers educational value through its guided tours, which highlight , and tailored programs for school groups focusing on operations and coastal heritage. Visitors may also observe local wildlife, such as dolphins in Start Bay or seabirds along the , enhancing the experience with ecological insights. Managed by , the itself does not offer overnight stays, though two adjacent former keepers' cottages—Landward Cottage and Beacon Cottage—are available for holiday rental, with Landward Cottage accommodating 5 guests and Beacon Cottage accommodating 6 guests, both offering sea views. A shop at the visitor centre sells gifts and postcards related to themes.

References

  1. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses-and-lightvessels/start-point-lighthouse
  2. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouse-visitor-centres/start-point-lighthouse-visitors-centre
  3. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/notice-to-mariners/18/2018-start-point-lighthouse
  4. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5238949
  5. http://www.devonbuildingsgroup.org.uk/uploads/Devon_Building_Stone_Atlas.pdf
  6. https://www.bsac.com/document/start-point-survey/
  7. https://www.southdevonaonb.org.uk/explore-start-bay/start-point/
  8. https://www.dartvalleycottages.co.uk/south-devon-explorer-start-point-lighthouse/
  9. https://cpanel.southhams.com/explore/attractions/start-point-lighthouse
  10. https://core.ac.uk/download/490700528.pdf
  11. https://old-site.uslhs.org/sites/default/files/assets/resources/uk_lighthouses/start_point_lighthouse_south_devon.pdf
  12. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/James_Walker
  13. https://kids.kiddle.co/Start_Point_Lighthouse
  14. https://natpacker.com/destination/start-point-lighthouse/
  15. https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/01/13/start-point-lighthouse-the-bright-white-lighthouse-was-built-in-1836-to-protect-shipping-off-start-point-in-south-devon-england/
  16. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1107958
  17. https://lighthouseeditions.com/view/england/devon/start-point
  18. https://lighthouseaccommodation.co.uk/listings/start-point-lighthouse/
  19. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1107959
  20. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1107960
  21. https://uslhs.org/node/1613
  22. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/James_Timmins_Chance
  23. https://chancebrothers.com/technology/
  24. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/start-bay/attractions/start-point-lighthouse/a/poi-sig/1350653/1341798
  25. https://www.thewanders.eu/start-point-lighthouse/
  26. https://uslhs.org/node/1614
  27. https://www.pharology.eu/howlighthouseswork/H24_opticrotation.html
  28. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/news/trinity-house-completes-re-engineering-of-start-point-lighthouse
  29. https://www.iala.int/wiki/dictionary/index.php/Fog_signal
  30. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/about-us/our-organisation/planning-centre
  31. https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/Lighthouses/Keepers
  32. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/commercial-services/our-services/aid-to-navigation-monitoring-services
  33. https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/lights/1000004554
  34. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/notice-to-mariners/3/2024-2025-aids-to-navigation-review
  35. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a8020c9e5274a2e87db803b/climate-adrep-trinity-house.pdf
  36. https://startpointdevon.co.uk/open-dates/
  37. https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/412/
  38. https://discoverdartmouth.com/attraction/start-point-lighthouse
  39. https://www.ruralretreats.co.uk/england/devon-holiday-cottages/landward-cottage-devon_dv065
  40. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouse-cottage-rental/start-point-holiday-cottages
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