Start Point Lighthouse

Start Point Lighthouse is a Grade II listed structure built in 1836 by engineer James Walker, with minor alterations made in 1871. The lighthouse is constructed from tarred and white-painted granite ashlar and features a cast-iron lantern topped with a copper roof. It stands approximately 28 metres tall and has a moulded plinth and pedestal stage, with two diminishing stages above. The top stage is adorned with a corbelled embattled parapet and a cast-iron lattice lantern, which is surrounded by a weather vane.

The lighthouse has rectangular and small round-headed window openings with plain raised architraves, and there is a blind panel on the west side beneath the parapet. On the north and south sides, there are two entrance porches; the south porch is blocked and features a 4-centred arch hoodmould, while the doorway to the north porch has a Tudor arch. Both porches have raised parapets displaying the Trinity House arms.

Inside, there is a cantilevered granite staircase that wraps around the inside well of the tower, complete with an iron balustrade and a cast-iron newel. Originally, the lighthouse included living accommodation for the keepers on the ground and first floors, but the floor was removed in 1871 when new keepers' houses were constructed nearby. The light source was initially powered by oil until it was electrified in 1959. The lens used in the lighthouse is based on the dioptic system designed by Alan Stevenson, marking it as the first of its kind used by Trinity House. Initially, the fog-sounder was a bell mounted outside, but this was replaced around 1851 because steam ships could not hear the bell.