Monument record MDO19711 - First Lower Lighthouse, Portland

Approximate possible site of first lighthouse established in 1716 and described by Defoe in 1724-6 as two lighthouses set up 'within these few months'. Two ‘Lighthouses’ are shown on the site of the higher light on maps of 1745 and 1765, sggesting that the site of the first 'Lower Light' was in fact near the higher light. It was replaced in 1789 by a new lighthouse on a new site.

Possible site of first lighthouse established in 1716 and described by Defoe in 1724-6 as two lighthouses set up 'within these few months'. (1) Two ‘Lighthouses’ are shown on the site of the higher light on maps of 1745 and 1765 (2-3), sggesting that the site of the first 'Lower Light' was in fact near the higher light and therefore 1789 rebuilding was on a new site lower down. This later Lower Lighthouse of 1789 was rebuilt again in 1869. (4)

<1> Defoe, D, 1724-6, A Tour Through the Whole Island of Britain, p213 (Monograph). SDO10402.

<2> Roper, T, 1745, A Plan of the Island of Portland in the County of Dorsett, with a description of his Ma’ty’s Demesne Lands and Quarries there… (Map). SDO10234.

<3> Taylor, Isaac, 1765, Dorset Shire (Map). SDO10340.

<4> Stanier, Peter, 2002, Dorset in the Age of Steam, p123 (Monograph). SDO10401.

Record last edited

Oct 30 2007 3:01AM