Deactivated 1832 Markings / pattern white tower Opened 1801 | Construction masonry tower ARLHS number ENG-323 Year first constructed 1801 | |
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Location Burnham-on-Sea
Somerset
England Tower shape cylindrical tower with battlement top Similar Burnham‑on‑Sea High Lighthouse, Pakefield Lighthouse, Rampside Lighthouse, Maryport Lighthouse, Winterton Lighthouse | ||
The Round Tower was a lighthouse in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, England. It is now a private dwelling.
Burnham-on-Sea is notable for its beach and mudflats, which are characteristic of Bridgwater Bay and the rest of the Bristol Channel where the tide can recede for over 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Burnham is close to the estuary of the River Parrett where it flows into the Bristol Channel, which has the second highest tidal range in the world of 15 metres (49 ft), second only to Bay of Fundy in Eastern Canada. The constantly shifting sands have always been a significant risk to shipping in the area.
History
During the 18th century a light was placed on the top of St Andrews Church tower to guide fishing boats into the harbour. A local vicar, either John Goulden in 1764 or Walter Harris in 1799, raised a subscription amongst the local population to replace the light on the church. This was built in 1800 to 1801, when the curate David Davies paid the verger £20 to build the round tower attached to his house. Some funds were raised from local merchants and ship owners; however by 1813 funds were insufficient and Davies was given permission to levy dues to supplement the £135 annual income as this wasn't enough for the lights maintenance. A 100 years lease was attached to the permission to levy fees; however the outstanding 85 years of the lease was sold to Trinity House around 1829. Funds from the sale were used by the vicar, Rev David Davies, to improve the area in an attempt to create a spa town.
Trinity House operated the lighthouse until 1832 when it became inactive, and was replaced by the High and Low lighthouses.
The tower was later shortened to two storeys, to prevent any confusion with the High Lighthouse, and battlements were added.