Teignmouth Lighthouse

File:Teignmouth_Lighthouse_from_Shaldon.jpgThe 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.devonheritage.org/Places/Teignmouth/Teignmouth-TheLighthouse.htm|title=Teignmouth - The Lighthouse|website=www.devonheritage.org|access-date=2018-12-02}} The limestone lighthouse tower was built in 1844–1845 and came into service in 1845.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mycetes.co.uk/a/page58.html|title=Lighthouse Compendium|website=www.mycetes.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-12-02}} 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.{{cite web | title = Lighthouse management : the report of the Royal Commissioners on Lights, Buoys, and Beacons, 1861, examined and refuted Vol. 2 | year = 1861 | page = 366 | url = https://archive.org/stream/lighthousemanage02blak#page/366/mode/1up }}

The lighthouse is currently maintained by the Harbour Master and continues to guide vessels through the channel's sand bars into the harbour.

Teignmouth Lighthouse is modest in scale compared to major coastal lighthouses such as Start Point Lighthouse or Eddystone Lighthouse. The tower is constructed of painted brick, forming a cylindrical shape painted white to stand out against the town’s Victorian promenade. It stands about 30 feet (9 metres) tall and is topped with a small lantern room and a red dome.

Unlike many coastal lights maintained by Trinity House, Teignmouth’s lighthouse has always remained under local jurisdiction, operated by the Teignmouth Harbour Commission.{{cite web |title=Teignmouth Harbour Commission |url=https://www.teignmouthharbour.com/ |publisher=Teignmouth Harbour Commission |access-date=5 July 2025}}

The lighthouse operates in conjunction with a rear leading light, forming a range that guides vessels safely over the river bar. When the two lights are vertically aligned, ships know they are on the correct approach line. This simple but effective system remains in use, although modern navigation aids such as GPS now support mariners alongside traditional beacons.{{cite web |title=Teign Heritage Centre |url=https://www.teignheritage.org.uk/ |publisher=Teign Heritage Centre |access-date=5 July 2025}}

Today, the lighthouse is fully automated and uses an energy-efficient lamp. Routine checks and maintenance are handled by the harbour authority to ensure the light remains operational for local fishing boats, yachts, and occasional cargo vessels that still use the Teignmouth harbour.

Although relatively small, the lighthouse has become a familiar landmark for residents and visitors walking along Teignmouth’s Victorian promenade or standing on the East Pier. It frequently appears in local paintings, postcards, and photographs capturing the estuary, the red cliffs of Devon, and the daily comings and goings of small boats.

The lighthouse’s enduring presence reflects Teignmouth’s strong connection to the sea. It stands as a reminder of the town’s once-thriving clay export trade and fishing fleets, which sustained local families for generations. Local heritage groups continue to feature the lighthouse in exhibitions at the Teign Heritage Centre, which preserves documents, artefacts, and stories about Teignmouth’s maritime past.

Given its exposed coastal position, the lighthouse has required periodic repairs to protect its brickwork from salt spray, storms, and sea winds. It was granted Grade II listed status, recognising its historical and architectural significance. This status helps ensure the building’s protection for future generations as part of Teignmouth’s coastal heritage.

Community volunteers and local historians have long documented the lighthouse’s history, promoting awareness of its role in keeping mariners safe. The structure is not open for public tours, but visitors can freely walk along the East Pier to its base and admire its simple yet sturdy form close-up.{{cite web |title=Lighthouses of South Devon |url=https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/blog/read/2024/12/lighthouses-in-south-devon-b413 |publisher=Visit South Devon |access-date=5 July 2025}}

• Start Point Lighthouse
• Berry Head Lighthouse
• Trinity House
• Teignmouth
• River Teign
• Devon

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Category:Grade II listed buildings in Devon

Category:Lighthouses in Devon

Category:Teignmouth