Natal Bluff Lighthouse (Durban Bluff. Port Natal)
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Date of lens manufacture
1866
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Date of lighthouse construction
1867
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Country
South Africa
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Commissioning body
Unknown.
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Order of lens
2nd order
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Fixed or revolving lens
Revolving
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Active/Inactive
Inactive
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Describe the character of light
Unknown.
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Describe the lighthouses daymarks
An iron cone tower 81 feet high painted white with lantern, domed roof and finial.
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Which aspects of the lighthouse (other than the lens) were manufactured by Chance brothers
None known.
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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.
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Current management body/ ports authority
None
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Historical preservation societies/manager/operator
None
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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?
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Observations on the condition of the lighthouse?
Main tower completely demolished.
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Is the site open/closed to the public
Closed
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Is the tower open/closed to the public
Closed
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Latitude and Longitude
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On-site bookable accommodation available
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Associated web addresses
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Other details
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Which resources did you use to research this lighthouses?
Online search.
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Date of decommissioning of lighthouse
15th October 1940.