St. mary lighthouse uk

St. Mary's Lighthouse, situated on St. Mary's Island in Whitley Bay, England, is a historic landmark and tourist attraction on the northeast coast of the United Kingdom.

About this subject

St. Mary's Lighthouse was built in 1898 to aid navigation in the North Sea, replacing an earlier coal-fired beacon. Designed by engineer James S. Annan, the 38-meter tall cylindrical masonry tower is painted with distinctive red and white horizontal bands, a common feature of British lighthouses. Its original light, with a range of 16 nautical miles, used first-order Fresnel lenses, later automated.

Located on St. Mary's Island, near Whitley Bay, the structure is accessible via a stone causeway that is submerged at high tide, a phenomenon that attracts visitors and photographers. The lighthouse operated until 1984, when it was decommissioned after navigation system upgrades. In 1988, it was purchased by North Tyneside Council and converted into a visitor center and museum, opening to the public in 1990. The site features exhibits on local maritime history, marine wildlife, and regional geology.

Beyond its historical significance, the lighthouse is a cultural icon of the Northumberland coast. It appears in various films and TV shows and is a popular subject for social media photography, especially at sunset. The island is also a nature reserve, hosting seabird colonies and limestone rock formations. The building is Grade II listed, ensuring its preservation. Visitation is seasonal, with a welcome center, café, and gift shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was St. Mary's Lighthouse built?

The lighthouse was built in 1898 and began operation that same year, replacing an earlier coal-fired beacon on the site.

Can you visit St. Mary's Lighthouse?

Yes, the lighthouse is open to the public as a museum and visitor center. Access is via the causeway, but you need to check tide times as the causeway is submerged at high tide.

How tall is St. Mary's Lighthouse?

The tower is 38 meters tall, and the lighthouse stands 47 meters above sea level, with visibility up to 16 nautical miles.