Start Point Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Stokenham, England
Start Point Lighthouse is a granite tower standing above the coastal point near Stokenham and marks the entrance to the River Dart with a powerful beam visible far out to sea. The complex includes several buildings and structures that support the main light tower and its operation.
The structure was designed and built in 1836 and received a powerful fog signal system in 1876 to aid navigation in poor visibility. These improvements made it a vital landmark for ships navigating these challenging coastal waters.
The lighthouse embodies maritime safety traditions along the coast and shows how seafarers navigated these waters over time. You can see the different lighting systems that were added and improved across the decades.
The site is reachable by a coastal path and offers parking and restroom facilities near the entrance for visitors. Guided tours are available to explore the tower and surrounding buildings during daylight hours.
Hugh McIntosh supervised the lighthouse construction while being blind, an uncommon achievement in maritime engineering of the 1800s. His work demonstrates how skilled professionals solved complex problems regardless of personal circumstances.
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