Take Five at Leasowe Lighthouse
At first sight, the lighthouse at Leasowe appears plain and insignificant. This is partly due to the fact that the balcony and lantern housing which used to sit on top of the existing tower, were removed some years ago.
The secret to the significance of Leasowe lighthouse lies in it’s method of construction. Leasowe is the oldest remaining brick built lighthouse in Europe. The brick tower was built in 1763 which makes it more than 250 years old.
According to a local rumour, the foundations for the tower are made from bales of cotton from a nearby shipwreck. The tower provided living accommodation for the lighthouse keeper and their family. The accomodation was spread over 5 levels. The original light was coal fire powered but was soon converted to oil in 1772.
The last keepers of the lighthouse moved in February 1892. They were husband and wife, Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Williams. Two years later, Thomas passed away. His wife continued as keeper, with the help of her daughters. Mary was one of very few known female lighthouse keepers. She continued in that role until July 1908 when the lamp was extinguished and the lighthouse ceased operating. Mary went on to operate a tea rooms at the lighthouse until her death in 1935.
Leasowe lighthouse is open to the public on occasional Sundays when guided tours are available.
It’s Grand to Know |
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Parking |
Plentiful and free public car park nearby |
Location |
Leasowe CH46 4TA |
Nearby Major Roads |
M53 Cheshire and Wirral motorway |
Nearby Places |
Birkenhead New Brighton |
Website |
www.leasowelighthouse.com |