Portland Bill, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England

The ever-changing moods of Portland

Pulpit Rock, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England
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 Storm coming, Portland, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England
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 Portland Bill, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England
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Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
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Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
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Storm skies, Portland, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England
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Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Portland, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England
Fujifilm X100

Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Pulpit Rock, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Nikon F3 / Rollei Retro 400s

Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, Dorset, England
Fujifilm X100

Brief History of Portland Bill Lighthouse, Dorset:

Portland Bill Lighthouse is a prominent landmark on the southern tip of the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. Its history reflects the area's long-standing importance for maritime navigation.

Early Lighthouses:

Before the current lighthouse, two earlier lighthouses—Old Higher Lighthouse and Old Lower Lighthouse—were built in 1716 by Trinity House to guide ships past the hazardous Portland Bill headland and the notorious Shambles sandbank. However, they were eventually deemed inadequate due to technological limitations and visibility issues in poor weather.

Current Lighthouse:

• Construction: The present Portland Bill Lighthouse was constructed between 1903 and 1905.

• First Lit: The new lighthouse was first lit on 11 January 1906.

• Design: It is a 41-meter (135 ft) tall, white tower with a distinctive red horizontal band, making it highly visible by day.

• Purpose: The lighthouse was designed to improve navigational safety and replace the older lights, providing both a visual and audible warning (through a foghorn) to passing vessels.

Modernisation:

• The lighthouse was automated in 1996, and it is now remotely monitored and controlled by Trinity House from their operations centre.

• The original optic (lens) and foghorn have since been decommissioned, but the site remains operational with a modern light.

Visitor Centre:

The old keeper’s quarters now house a visitor centre and lighthouse tours, offering insights into maritime history and the lives of lighthouse keepers.

Portland Bill Lighthouse remains an iconic symbol of the Dorset coastline and continues to serve as an active aid to navigation while also being a popular tourist destination.