Northumberland lighthouse to be upgraded thanks to heritage solution from 1841
A lighthouse off the Northumberland coast is set to be reunited with its original lens dating back to 1841.
It is more than 60 years since the Fresnel lens was removed from Coquet Island lighthouse, near Amble.
It is being reinstalled as part of an upgrade being planned by lighthouse custodian Trinity House.
The existing modern light has been deemed obsolete and unserviceable but the original lens removed in 1964 has been refurbished.
Trinity House, in a planning report, explain: “The existing light source at Coquet lighthouse is now obsolete and spares cannot be sourced. This necessitates an alternative light source solution to be found."
The original lens came into consideration due to the need for the light source to be of a high enough intensity without the width of the light source being too large.
“One solution to this is to shine a narrow light source through a fixed Fresnel lens, which creates a sufficiently intense light,” say Trinity House.
“Because Trinity House retain the original optics which were on station between 1841 and 1964, this presents an opportunity to solve a technical problem through a heritage solution.
“To accommodate the historic lens, Trinity House have designed a new Lantern Room floor which is sufficiently robust to take the weight of the historic Fresnel lens.”
Planning permission for the project, together with the replacement of the lantern floor, has received the green light from Northumberland County Council and been warmly welcomed by heritage experts.
Martin Lowe, Inspector of Historic Buildings at Historic England, said: “The reintroduction of the original lens is a surprising turn that enhances the significance of the listed building as a working lighthouse.”
Northumberland County Council’s built heritage team added: “Reinstating the original lens is considered a significant heritage benefit and is supported.”
Permission has also been approved to relocate and replace a hazard warning signal (fog horn), carry out alterations to the boiler and battery room.
Trinity House explain: “Every 25 years or so, Trinity House must consider whether each lighthouse can be made fit for the next 25 years or so. Systems go out of date and are no longer serviceable.
"Expectations in terms of health and safety and in terms of environmental impacts change and lighthouses need to adapt. Improved technology allows for increased efficiency and reliability. It is now time for Coquet’s upgrade.
“The very good news is that Coquet lighthouse is upgradable. That is, it can continue to be relevant as a functioning, efficient and reliable aid to navigation – precisely the reason it was built by Trinity House some 185 years ago.”