St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Maritime navigation lighthouse at St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, England.
St. Catherine's Lighthouse is a white brick tower standing on the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight, measuring approximately 27 meters tall. The structure was built to guide ships safely through the English Channel and remains an important navigation marker for maritime traffic in the area.
The lighthouse was constructed in 1838 by Trinity House following the loss of the vessel The Clarendon on nearby rocks. This construction marked a turning point in maritime safety at this dangerous stretch of coast.
The lighthouse represents an important part of British coastal tradition and serves as a landmark that locals associate with maritime safety and protection. Visitors often come to experience the connection between the island community and the surrounding waters.
Access to the lighthouse is via a steep path descending from The Buddle Inn, located about half a kilometer away with parking available. The walk requires sturdy footwear and takes some time, so plan accordingly and be cautious in wet or windy weather.
A German bomb damaged the keeper's cottages during World War II and caused fatalities on the site. The damage to the lighthouse lens from the shrapnel remains visible today as a reminder of that era.
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