La Tour de Vinde, Combined lighthouse and Martello tower in Saint Brelade, Jersey.
La Tour de Vinde is a combined lighthouse and Martello tower located at the base of Noirmont Point cliffs. The structure features a cylindrical design with a light mounted on a mast approximately 18 meters (59 feet) tall and is painted in black and white colors.
British forces constructed this defensive structure between 1808 and 1810 to protect St Aubin's Bay. In 1915, the tower was converted into a lighthouse to serve maritime navigation purposes.
The tower takes its name from Norse origins, connected to sailing practices that mariners once used when navigating past this point. Today, visitors can sense how maritime traditions still shape the character of this location along the Jersey coast.
The tower is accessible on foot but depends on tidal conditions, which should be checked before visiting. The interior remains closed to the public, though the exterior and surrounding area can be viewed from outside.
This structure combines two distinct maritime functions in a single building, making it an unusual example of dual-purpose design. The black and white coloring served sailors as both a navigation aid during daylight and worked in conjunction with the light at night.
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