Whiteford Lighthouse, Cast iron lighthouse in Llangennith, Wales
Whiteford Lighthouse is a 14-meter-high structure made from bolted cast iron plates standing on a shingle bank at the mouth of Burry River. The entire construction is supported by 88 wooden piles driven into glacial moraine beneath the riverbed.
Built in 1865 by architect John Bowen, it replaced an earlier lighthouse that guided vessels through the navigable channel to Llanelli harbor. This project marked a turning point when cast iron became the preferred material for lighthouses in exposed coastal locations.
The lighthouse demonstrates how 19th-century engineers adapted to the challenging coastal environment through innovative material choices. Visitors can see how cast iron was favored for its durability against harsh maritime conditions.
Access to the structure is heavily dependent on tidal timing, as high tides can submerge the surrounding area under up to 6 meters of water. Plan your visit for low tide periods when the ground is exposed and the site is safely accessible.
This remains the last surviving wave-swept cast-iron lighthouse in British coastal waters, making it a rare example of a construction method that has otherwise completely disappeared. Its preservation offers a window into 19th-century engineering that few structures of this type still provide.
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