Les Hanois Lighthouse

Les Hanois Lighthouse is a granite tower built on a reef off Guernsey's western shoreline. The structure rises from the water using precisely fitted stone blocks and operates entirely on its own today.

The tower was built beginning in 1860 after several vessels sank in this area, including HMS Boreas in 1807. The project showed how crucial improved navigation aids had become for coastal safety.

The lighthouse represents a significant advancement in maritime engineering, with James Nicholas Douglass implementing innovative stone dovetailing techniques for structural reinforcement.

The structure is not open to visitors since it functions as an automated navigation facility positioned on a reef. The best way to see it is from the water or from the shoreline as a distant view.

The granite blocks for construction were cut at a separate location and then transported to the site by barge. This method allowed precise prefabrication on land before the stones were assembled on the reef.

Location: Torteval

Inception: 1862

Architects: James Nicholas Douglass

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 49.43497,-2.70237

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06