Teignmouth lighthouse is a lighthouse situated on the south end of the Den promenade at Teignmouth, Devon, England. It is paired with a red polycarbonate leading light at Powderham Terrace behind the lighthouse.[1] It has been a Grade II listed building since 1949.[2]
The entrance to the River Teign has dangerous currents, rocks and shifting sands, posing a danger to vessels and thus was deemed to require a navigational aid. Under the Harbour Commissioners, planning for the lighthouse commenced in the early 1840s.[3] The limestone lighthouse tower was built in 1844–1845 and came into service in 1845.[1] It was lit by three gas burners, with reflectors, and showed a fixed red light (with a range of 7 nautical miles) to guide ships to the mouth of the harbour.[4]
Design and structure
The lighthouse is a white-painted cylindrical brick tower approximately 30–35 ft tall, surmounted by a red lantern dome. Its compact design contrasts with larger coastal lighthouses and serves a practical role in marking the harbour entrance.[5][6]
Operation and management
Since its construction, the lighthouse has functioned as part of a leading-light system in conjunction with a front light to guide vessels through the navigable channel of the River Teign.[5] The structure is now automated and forms part of the harbour’s aids-to-navigation, operating under standards defined by the Port Marine Safety Code.[7]
The lighthouse falls under the jurisdiction of the Teignmouth Harbour Commission, which is the statutory harbour and local lighthouse authority. It oversees the maintenance and compliance of local navigation aids in accordance with the Port Marine Safety Code.[8]
Cultural significance and heritage status
The lighthouse is often featured in regional imagery and is noted in local heritage publications as an element of Teignmouth’s maritime history.[5] The structure is designated as a Grade II listed building under entry number 1269045, recognised for its historical and architectural interest.[6]
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