Alderney Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Alderney English Channel |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 49°43′45″N 2°09′51″W / 49.7292°N 2.1643°W |
| Year first constructed | 1912 |
| Automated | 1997 |
| Construction | granite tower |
| Tower shape | conical tower with balcony and lantern attached to keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | white tower with one broad black band |
| Height | 32 metres (105 ft) |
| Focal height | 37 metres (121 ft) |
| Original lens | 1st Order 920mm 4 panel Catadioptric (original), 2 X 4-tier LED Lantern (current) |
| Intensity | 4,140 candela |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W (4) 15s |
| Fog signal | siren: 3 blasts every 20 seconds whistle: 2 blasts ever 15 seconds |
The Alderney Lighthouse, also called Mannez Lighthouse, is a strong stone tower. It stands on the northeast coast of Alderney, a small island. This lighthouse was built in 1912. Its main job is to keep ships safe. It warns them about the tricky waters of the Alderney Race and the many rocks around the island.
Contents
History of Alderney Lighthouse
The Alderney Lighthouse was built from tough granite rock. Construction finished in 1912. A local businessman named William Baron helped guide the building work.
Changes Over Time
The lighthouse has changed a lot since it was first built. In 1976, it got electricity. This meant it no longer needed old-fashioned lamps. Then, in 1997, the lighthouse became "automated." This means machines took over. The last lighthouse keeper moved out. Today, a group called Trinity House manages the lighthouse. They control it from Essex, England.
Before the lighthouse was built, many ships crashed near Alderney. One famous wreck was a ship called the Leros. The lighthouse helps prevent such accidents now.
Visiting the Lighthouse
Even though it's automated, the Alderney Lighthouse is still important. It guides ships every day. During summer, you can even take a guided tour inside. A special train, the Alderney Railway, connects the lighthouse to the rest of the island.
Modern Updates and Changes
In March 2011, the lighthouse's light was changed. It used to shine 24 hours a day. Its light could be seen from 23 nautical miles away. Now, it only shines at night. Its light reaches 12 nautical miles.
This change meant the main, big light beam was turned off. Instead, two smaller LED lamps on the tower now create the light pulse. The loud fog signal, which used to warn ships in foggy weather, was also stopped at the same time.
See also
- List of lighthouses in the Channel Islands
