Whitby Lighthouse
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| Location | Near Whitby, Yorkshire, England |
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| Coordinates | 54°28′40″N 0°34′6″W / 54.47778°N 0.56833°W |
| Year first constructed | 1858 |
| Automated | 1992 |
| Height | 13 m (43 ft) |
| Focal height | 73 m (240 ft) |
| Current lens | Six Panel 2nd Order Catadioptric Drum |
| Intensity | White 39,800 Candela, Red 17,100 Candela |
| Range | White - 18 nmi (33 km); Red - 16 nmi (30 km) |
| Characteristic | White and red isophase every 5 seconds |
| ARLHS number | ENG 164 |
Whitby Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by Trinity House. It is located on Ling Hill, on the coast to the south-east of Whitby, beyond Saltwick Bay. It should not be confused with the two lighthouses located in Whitby itself, which protect the town's harbour.
The lighthouse, a white octagonal brick tower, was designed by James Walker[1] of civil engineers Messrs. Walker, Burgess & Cooper.[2] Foundations were laid on 12 April 1857[2] with construction carried out by local builder William Falkingbridge[1] of Well Close Square, Whitby.[2] Supervising the construction Henry Norris[1][2] of James Walker's firm was engaged as Superintendent of the Works on behalf of Trinity House. The light was first lit on 1 October 1858[1] with costs of construction having run to about £8,000.[2]
Originally, it was one of a pair of towers aligned north-south and known as the twin lights of Whitby North[1] (also known as the High Light) and Whitby South.[3] Their purpose was to show fixed lights over Whitby Rock. In 1890, a more efficient light was installed in the High Light, allowing the South Light to be deactivated. The lighthouse was electrified in 1976 and automated in 1992; the former lighthouse keepers' cottages are now available to hire by holidaymakers.[4]
The Whitby Fog Signal located adjacent to the lighthouse has been deactivated, and the building is also now used as holiday accommodation.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Lighthouse management : the report of the Royal Commissioners on Lights, Buoys, and Beacons, 1861, examined and refuted Vol. 2". p. 67.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "The New Lighthouses". The Whitby Gazette. 22 May 1858. p. 4.
- ↑ "Lighthouse management,". p. 68.
- ↑ "Whitby Lighthouse". Trinity House.