Shoreham Lighthouse

Shoreham Lighthouse stands at the mouth of the River Adur in the small area of Kingston by Sea, part of the Adur district in West Sussex. The lighthouse was built in 1846 to guide ships into Shoreham Harbour, aligning with the harbour entrance. At just 13 metres high, its light reaches 19 kilometres out to sea. The area around the lighthouse has changed greatly since the 19th century, when it was surrounded by open land rather than urban development. The lighthouse remains a key landmark despite the growth of Shoreham-by-Sea and Southwick around it. The lighthouse’s history reflects the wider changes in the area. The de Buci family once held the nearby manor, and the lighthouse was built during a period of rapid coastal development. The railway line between Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea, opened in 1840, helped drive this growth. The lighthouse’s light was designed to be visible far out at sea, ensuring safe passage for vessels. Its presence marks the spot where the river meets the English Channel. Visitors to the lighthouse find a quiet spot near the water’s edge, with views across the river mouth. The shoreline here is part of a landscape shaped by centuries of trade and settlement. Nearby, St Julian’s Church preserves medieval features, including an anchorite’s cell in its chancel wall. The contrast between the old church and the working lighthouse shows how the area has evolved while keeping traces of its past.