North Foreland Lighthouse

Built in 1691, this 26m tall lighthouse is an octagonal tower with balcony and lantern attached to a 2-storey keeper's house. It was first lit by fire in 1499.

About North Foreland Lighthouse

A light was first exhibited on the North Foreland in 1499, a swape light consisting of a long pivoted beam with a basket containing an open fire.

The first real lighthouse built on the Foreland was erected in 1636, built by Sir John Meldrum, made of timber, lath and plaster. It caught fire in 1683 and burnt down. A new lighthouse, 10m tall, made of brick, stone and flint was built in 1691 carrying a fire basket and exhibiting a fixed white light. In 1793 it was heightened by adding two more storeys and the coal-fired beacon was replaced by eighteen Argand oil lamps, with circular wicks.

In 1872 electric power was introduced on the instruction of Michael Faraday, then Scientific Adviser to Trinity House. This became the first lighthouse in the world to be electrically powered. It was automated in 1998.

The current 26m tall lighthouse is an octagonal tower with balcony and lantern attached to a 2-storey keeper's house.