The Old Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse is an unfinished lighthouse built in 1785. It features a low circular tower with two storeys, constructed from stone rubble and faced with ashlar, and has upright rectangular window spaces. Trinity House planned for this lighthouse to replace the old medieval pharos located about 150 metres to the north in the adjoining parish of Chale. However, the building was abandoned before it was completed due to frequent mists that obscured the hill. Another lighthouse was not constructed until 1838-1840 along the coast after the wreck of the 'Clarendon' in Chale Bay in 1836, which is now known as St Catherine's Lighthouse. Locally, the old lighthouse is referred to as "the Salt Cellar," while the medieval pharos is known as "the Pepper Pot."