Year first lit 1840 (current) Construction brick tower Opened 1867 | Deactivated 1921 Height 19 m | |
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Location Winterton-on-Sea
Norfolk
England Year first constructed 1616 (first)
1687 (second) Tower shape cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern Similar Gorleston (Range Rear) Lig, Pakefield Lighthouse, Burnham‑on‑Sea Round Tower, Burnham‑on‑Sea High Lighthouse, Rampside Lighthouse | ||
Winterton lighthouse
Winterton Lighthouse is located in Winterton-on-Sea in the English county of Norfolk.
Contents
History
A lighthouse has been known to have stood in this location since the 17th century The first lighthouse was constructed between 1616 and 1618 and was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1687 and had an octagonal tower and was privately owned by the Turner family. The owners were entitled to a penny for every ton for every ship that sailed within the light. It can be seen clearly on Faden’s large-scale map (at one inch to the mile) of the county of Norfolk of 1779, and Bryant's map of 1826. In 1836, the lighthouse was bought out by Trinity House. During the World War I, the present lighthouse became a military lookout post. Soon after, in 1921, the lighthouse ceased operations. In 1921, the lighthouse and its cottage were turned into a private residence and its lantern was replaced by a circular observation room.
World War Two
The lighthouse was used as a military lookout post in during World War II. At this time, the tower was strengthened with brick and concrete above the level of observation room and a gallery was added. The lighthouse was then used for observation for the Winterton Emergency Coastal battery. The adjoining buildings were also used by the Coastal Battery’s garrison.
Post war period
After the war, the lighthouse was the home of Viscount Elmley, M.P. for East Norfolk. In 1970, or perhaps earlier, the lighthouse and cottage became part of the Hermanus holiday complex. In 2000, the lighthouse and cottage were sold again and is now two private dwellings, one in the tower, the other in the cottage. In 2012 the flat-roofed observation room on top of the tower was removed and replaced with a lantern structure, giving the tower an altogether more lighthouse-like appearance once again.