Gorleston South Pier Lighthouse

Lighthouse

52°34′20″N 1°44′17″E / 52.572128°N 1.738036°E / 52.572128; 1.738036TowerConstructed1852 (first)Constructionbrick and concrete buildingHeight8 metres (26 ft)Shape2-storey building with two balconies and light on the roofMarkingswhite lower part, unpainted brick upper partPower sourcemains electricity

OperatorNational Coastwatch Institution^[1]Fog signal3 blasts every 60s.LightFirst lit1955 (current)Focal height11 metres (36 ft)Range11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi)CharacteristicFl R 3s.

Gorleston South Pier Lighthouse and Coastwatch watch station is located in the town of Gorleston in the English county of Norfolk.^[2] The lighthouse and station is located at the end of the south pier of seaport on the south side of Great Yarmouth.

History

The first lighthouse was established here in 1852 was an octagonal brick tower of similar height to the present lighthouse building. The building today was built in 1955 and was also the harbourmaster's office, later re-located. ^[3]

Operation

The light of today is mounted on the roof along with communications equipment, harbour control lights, and the fog horn that when used, sounds three blasts every 60 seconds. The lighthouse is operated by the Great Yarmouth Port Authority. The watchtower is now home to the Gorleston Branch of the National Coastwatch Institution which has over 60 Volunteer members and act as the eyes and ears of HM Coast Guard. The crew watches from 0800hrs to 2000hrs in the summer (March to October) and 0800hrs to 1600hrs in the winter. (October to March) ^[3]

References

^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Eastern England". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
^ Ordnance Survey (2005). OS Explorer Map OL40 - The Broads. ISBN 0-319-23769-9.
^ ^a ^b "Gorleston | National Coastwatch Institution". www.nci.org.uk. Retrieved 22 May 2022.