Southwold Lighthouse

Southwold Lighthouse
The lighthouse in 2007
LocationSouthwold, Suffolk
OS gridTM5094276284
Coordinates52°19′38″N 01°40′53″E / 52.32722°N 1.68139°E / 52.32722; 1.68139
Tower
Constructed1890
Constructionbrick tower
Automated1938
Height31 metres (102 ft)
Shapecylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markingswhite tower and lantern
OperatorTrinity House 
HeritageGrade II listed building 
Light
Focal height37 metres (121 ft)
Lens1st order 920 mm focal length, catadioptric fixed lens (original), Pelangi PRL400TH (current)
Intensity17,100 candela
Range24 nautical miles (44 km)
CharacteristicWhite rotating – flashing once every 10 seconds

Southwold Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by Trinity House in the centre of Southwold in Suffolk, England. It stands on the North Sea coast, acting as a warning light for shipping passing along the east coast and as a guide for vessels navigating to Southwold harbour.

The lighthouse, which is a prominent local landmark, was commissioned in 1890, and was automated and electrified in 1938. It survived a fire in its original oil-fired lamp just six days after commissioning and today operates a 180-watt main navigation lamp. This lamp has a range of 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi).