kids encyclopedia robot

Egypt Point facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Egypt Point, IW, UK
Egypt Point

Egypt Point is a special place on the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of England. It's the very northern tip of the island. Long ago, Queen Victoria really loved visiting this spot. In 2011, the people living near Egypt Point were counted as part of the nearby area called Northwood, Isle of Wight.

What is Egypt Point?

Egypt Point is located between the lively town of Cowes and the quiet village of Gurnard. It's known for its history and beautiful views.

The Egypt Point Lighthouse

Hurst Castle , Little Lighthouse - geograph.org.uk - 1721746
Original optic, removed in 1969, now on display at Hurst Castle

For many years, from 1897 to 1989, a lighthouse stood proudly at Egypt Point. It was looked after by Trinity House, an organization that manages lighthouses.

  • The light flashed white every ten seconds.
  • You could see its light from about 10 nautical miles away (that's about 18.5 kilometers!).
  • How the light changed:
    • At first, it used paraffin (a type of oil) to make its light.
    • In 1925, it was updated to run automatically using acetylene gas.
    • Later, in 1969, it was changed again to run on electricity.

Why the Lighthouse Closed

In 1989, the lighthouse was turned off for good. This happened because the needs of sailors had changed. Even though the light no longer works, the lighthouse building is still an important landmark for yachtsmen (people who sail yachts). In 1997, the lighthouse was given to the new Isle of Wight Council to look after.

How Egypt Point Got Its Name

The name "Egypt Point" might sound a bit mysterious! It actually comes from a group of gypsies who camped nearby in the 1500s.

A Great Spot for Races

Today, Egypt Point is a very popular place to watch the yearly Round the Island Race. This famous sailing race starts and finishes in Cowes, and Egypt Point offers a fantastic view of the boats as they sail by.

kids search engine
Egypt Point Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.