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Portland Lighthouse

Reference: DO33
Location: Portland Bill
Gallery: Dorset,

This view is looking eastward from what was the sheltered leeward side of the headland. Three lighthouses have been built here over the years to protect shipping from the strong tidal race and shallow reef. The most recent is the distinctively red and white striped lighthouse which was built in 1906 and is 115 ft high. The white stone triangular obelisk which is visible towards the southern tip was built in 1844 as an earlier warning of the low shelf of rock which extends 30 metres out to sea. A similar shelf is visible in this photo, just above sea level.