East Usk Lighthouse
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Date of lens manufacture
1892
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Date of lighthouse construction
1893
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Country
United Kingdom. Wales
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Commissioning body
Trinity House
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Order of lens
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Fixed or revolving lens
Fixed
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Active/Inactive
Active
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Describe the character of light
two flashes every 10 s, white, red, or green depending on direction.
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Describe the lighthouses daymarks
Approx. 11 m (36 ft) round cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white.
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Which aspects of the lighthouse (other than the lens) were manufactured by Chance brothers
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Describe the history of the lighthouse
The East Usk Lighthouse was constructed in 1893 by Trinity House and entered service on or about 22nd June that year. The lighthouse is one of two marking the entrance to the River Usk (West Usk Lighthouse has not been decommissioned and is now a B&B).
Originally lit by 12 gas cylinders which would last a year, it was converted to electricity in 1972 and is still in operation today. It was the first Trinity House lighthouse in the UK to use the Dalén Sun Valve, an ingenious device for turning an unwatched light on and off using daylight. Combined with the flashing apparatus, the sun valve saved 94% of the gas compared to having the light operating all the time.
Originally much taller than it now appears, the legs of the lighthouse were gradually buried under fly ash from the Uskmouth Power Station.
The lighthouse displays a Port Entry Light consisting of occulting Red, White and Green light sectors that guide shipping into the entrance of Newport dredged channel. It is a vital navigational aid for ship approaching Newport and for over 100 years has played a vital role in marine safety and the economic prosperity of Newport Docks.
The lighthouse is now owned and managed by Newport Harbour Commissioners a Board established by an Act of Parliament, responsible for safe navigation, dredging and pilotage within the Newport Harbour and River Usk up to Newbridge-on-Usk.
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Current management body/ ports authority
Newport Harbour Commissioners.
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Historical preservation societies/manager/operator
Newport Harbour Commissioners
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Is the site vulnerable to coastal erosion?
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Have you experienced any affects of climate change on the lighthouse?
The lighthouse is located within the Newport Wetlands Reserve, which is best known for its fantastic range of wetland birds, included bearded tits, little egrets and avocets. During the spring and summer, the reserve teems with butterflies, dragonflies and bees, including one of the UK's rarest, the shrill carder bee.
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Observations on the condition of the lighthouse?
Originally much taller than it now appears, the legs of the lighthouse were gradually buried under fly ash from the Uskmouth Power Station. Otherwise good.
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Is the site open/closed to the public
Open
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Is the tower open/closed to the public
Closed
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Latitude and Longitude
51.5399969, -2.9669806
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On-site bookable accommodation available
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Associated web addresses
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Other details
ARLHS WAL-005; Admiralty A5454; NGA 5904.
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Which resources did you use to research this lighthouses?
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