Happisburgh (Hasborough) (High)
Chance Brothers Lighthouse
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Date of lens manufacture
1867
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Date of lighthouse construction
1791
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Country
United Kingdom
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Commissioning body
Trinity House
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Order of lens
1st order
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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
Fl (3) W 30s
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Describe the lighthouses daymarks
26m tall cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern. Alternating bands of 3 red and 3 white bands. White lantern and red lantern roof.
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Which aspects of the lighthouse (other than the lens) were manufactured by Chance brothers
none
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Describe the history of the lighthouse
It was built in 1791 following a severe storm in which 70 sailing ships were lost off the Norfolk coast. Formed a pair of lighthouses with the surviving lighthouse being called "high light" and another called "low light" 400 yards toward the coast. (see "Happisburgh Low Lighthouse" https://new.opengreenmap.org/browse/sites/62af30b2559474010051fdbe )
In 1868 the chance lantern was installed along with a new optic, giving the high light a range of 17 miles. Cannel gas was introduced as the light source in 1872 and was stored in two warehouses in the lighthouse compound. Due to the increased coastal erosion low light was demolished in 1883 and high light was painted in the current colours to distinguish it from the nearby tower at Winterton. The lighthouse became automated in 1929 through the use of acetylene, allowing the keeper's cottages to the sold, with electricity installed in 1947.
The lighthouse was scheduled for deactivation in June 1988, but a local community petition prevented this and after legal action acquired the lighthouse for the charity "Friends of Happisburgh lighthouse". Today it is the only independently run lighthouse in Great Britain and is the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia.
Happisburgh Lighthouse is cared for by two groups – the Trust are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the lighthouse, and the Friends are the principal fundraising group and also staff the lighthouse on open days - both are operated by volunteers.
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Current management body/ ports authority
Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust
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Historical preservation societies/manager/operator
Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust
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Is the site vulnerable to coastal erosion?
yes -
Have you experienced any affects of climate change on the lighthouse?
Coastal Erosion has been a major issue over centuries for Happisburgh with many houses being lost to the sea and several have been demolished and relocated inland since 2000. The low lighthouse was lost to coastal erosion and future sea-level rise and increased storms will likely increase coastal erosion, especially in the south and east of England. Therefore the lighthouse is at risk of collapsing into the sea due to coastal erosion in the future.
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Observations on the condition of the lighthouse?
Well maintained and recieving visitors to the tower. Repainted in 2018.
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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
Open
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Latitude and Longitude
52.82, 1.54
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On-site bookable accommodation available
yes -
Associated web addresses
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Other details
ARLHS ENG-050; Admiralty A2336; NGA 1668.
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Which resources did you use to research this lighthouses?
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Where?
