Year first lit 1867 (current) Focal height 23 m (75 ft) Elevation 23 m Automated 1923 | Construction masonry tower Height 26 m First lit 1867 Year first constructed 1812 (first) | |
 | ||
Location Hurst SpitHampshireEngland Tower shape cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern Markings / pattern white tower and lantern Address Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0TQ, UK Similar Hurst Castle, Hurst Spit, Anvil Point Lighthouse, Needles Lighthouse, Hilbre Island Lighthouse | ||
Hurst point lighthouse
Hurst Point Lighthouse is located at Hurst Point in the English county of Hampshire, and guides vessels through the western approaches to the Solent.
The original lighthouse was the Hurst Tower, sited to the south west of the old Hurst Castle and lit for the first time on 29 September 1786. Joseph Huddart supervised and directed its construction. However, this light was found to be obscured from certain directions; consequently, in 1812, this tower was supplemented by the High Lighthouse, a new tower at a higher level.
In light of the expansion of the Castle between 1865 and 1873, it proved necessary to reposition the lights. In 1866, the Low Light - a white circular granite tower with a red lantern - was built to replace the Hurst Tower. In 1911, this light was itself replaced with a red square metal tower, standing on steel joists attached to the Castle wall. It has since been decommissioned, but both of these Low Lights remain in place, the former painted grey and the latter blue/battleship grey to camouflage them and prevent confusion for mariners.
Meanwhile, in 1867, the 1812 High Lighthouse was replaced by the freestanding 26 metre tower built on the end of Hurst Spit, and which is still working today. It is open for visitors, but cannot be reached by car; access is by foot or boat only.