Whitby West Pier Lighthouse

Whitby West Pier Lighthouse stands on the West Pier of Whitby harbour in North Yorkshire. It was built in 1831 and is the taller of the two lighthouses protecting the harbour entrance. The lighthouse reaches 84 feet, making it the dominant feature on the pier. Nearby, the shorter East Pier Lighthouse completes the pair. Both structures guide ships safely into the port. Princess Victoria visited the lighthouse in 1834, soon after its completion. In about 1914, the West Pier was extended 500 feet into the sea. A new beacon was added at the end of this extension. The extension also houses a foghorn that sounds every 30 seconds during fog. Visitors to the lighthouse see the tall stone tower rising above the pier. The pier itself stretches out into the North Sea, offering views of the harbour and coastline. The foghorn stands near the end of the extension, its deep blasts echoing over the water. New lights were installed on both lighthouses and beacons in 2011. The scene combines maritime history with the raw beauty of the Yorkshire coast.