Natal Bluff Lighthouse (Durban Bluff. Port Natal)

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Chance Brothers Lighthouse Chance Brothers Lighthouse
  • Date of lens manufacture

    1866

  • Date of lighthouse construction

    1867

  • Country

    South Africa

  • Commissioning body

    Unknown.

  • Order of lens

    2nd order

  • Fixed or revolving lens

    Revolving

  • Active/Inactive

    Inactive

  • Describe the character of light

    Unknown.

  • Describe the lighthouses daymarks

    An iron cone tower 81 feet high painted white with lantern, domed roof and finial.

  • Which aspects of the lighthouse (other than the lens) were manufactured by Chance brothers

    None known.

  • Describe the history of the lighthouse

    The inhabitants of Natal had waited patiently for a light from the 1860s but it wasn't until 22nd November 1864 that a foundation stone was laid and a further two years before construction was completed in October 1866. The 2nd order optic was supplied by Chance Brothers of Smethwick near Birmingham. It is not known where the iron tower was manufactured but often Chance Brothers were responsible for sourcing such towers from England. The lighthouse was officially opened on 23rd January 1867. It seems there was a real party atmosphere with dignitries attending, boats in the bay and an inauguration ceremony. The light had cost £5800 and was £200 under budget. In 1922 improved optical apparatus was installed, in 1933 the cast iron structure was encased in concrete as it was deemed unsafe however on 15th October 1940 the light shone for it's final time. In 1941 during WWII a gun placement was positioned on the Bluff and the lighthouse was demolished so as not to impede artillery firing. The base of the lighthouse still exists as a two storey building with support buttresses.

  • Current management body/ ports authority

    None

  • Historical preservation societies/manager/operator

    None

  • Is the site vulnerable to coastal erosion?
    nu
  • Have you experienced any affects of climate change on the lighthouse?
    ---
  • Observations on the condition of the lighthouse?

    Main tower completely demolished.

  • Is the site open/closed to the public

    Closed

  • Is the tower open/closed to the public

    Closed

  • Latitude and Longitude
    ---
  • On-site bookable accommodation available
    nu
  • Associated web addresses
  • Other details
    ---
  • Which resources did you use to research this lighthouses?

    Online search.

Chance Lighthouse Destroyed or Ruined Chance Lighthouse Destroyed or Ruined
  • Date of decommissioning of lighthouse

    15th October 1940.


In the 1800s, Chance Brothers & Co glassworks in Smethwick began making the hi-tech lenses that lighthouses use to warn ships of dangerous locations. By 1951, over 2,500 lighthouses around the world were fitted with a Chance lens.

Unde?


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