The Nore facts for kids

The Nore is a special place in the Thames Estuary in England. It is a sandbank, which is like a hidden hill made of sand under the water. The Nore marks where the River Thames flows into the big North Sea. For many years, it was an important spot for ships entering or leaving London.

What is a Sandbank?

A sandbank is a natural ridge of sand or gravel. It forms under the water in rivers or oceans. Sandbanks can be dangerous for ships. This is because they can be shallow, meaning ships might get stuck. The Nore is one such sandbank. It sits right at the mouth of the Thames.

Why is The Nore Important?

The Nore has always been a very important landmark for sailors. It showed them where the river ended and the open sea began. For a long time, it was also the official boundary for the Port of London Authority. This meant it marked how far out into the sea the port's rules applied. Because of the danger it posed to ships, it needed a way to warn them.

Lightships and Buoys at The Nore

To help ships avoid the sandbank, the world's first lightship was placed at The Nore in 1732. A lightship is like a floating lighthouse. It has a bright light to guide ships, especially at night. This first lightship became a famous landmark. It was also a meeting point where many ships would gather.

Over the years, more lightships were added. By 1919, there were nine lightships helping to guide ships safely past The Nore. Today, technology has changed. Instead of lightships, a buoy now marks the spot. A buoy is a floating marker that can have lights or other signals. It does the same job as the old lightships, but it is much smaller and easier to maintain.

Images for kids

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  Lightship Nore