Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Lighthouse on Holyhead Breakwater
Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Maritime
- Date of designation
- 19 July 1988
- Locality
- Soldier's Point
- Community
- Holyhead
- Unitary authority
- Isle of Anglesey
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.33090, -4.61927
- Cadw reference
- 5744
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1799 "Ireland." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
Cadw's description
Location
Set on ovoid platform forming the outer end of the long breakwater stretching into Holyhead Bay.
History
The precise date of the lighthouse is unknown, though a publication of 1871 suggests that it was built in 1850. If so, it may have been designed by J.M.Rendell who was the engineer who prepared the plans for the breakwater in 1845. However it has also been attributed to John Hawkshaw, the superintending engineer who completed the breakwater between 1857 and 1873.
Exterior
Square, tapering 3-storey masonry tower 19.2m high and ainted in black and white bands. Chamfered angles and stepped plinth. Raised surrounds to openings and matching recesses. Roll-moulding over ground floor; moulded cornice supports walkway around circular lantern. Lantern has latticework glazing and domed cap surmounted by weather vane and ball finial.
Reason for designation
An important component of the engineering works of the Holyhead Breakwater, and a very good example of an harbour light retaining its original character.
Nearby in the register
- Holyhead BreakwaterMaritimeunder 1 mi
- Customs HouseCivil1 mi
- Lighthouse on Admiralty PierMaritime1 mi
- Admirlaty Pier (including Sea Wall between Salt Island Bridgea and George IV Arch)Maritime1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.