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This low, flat headland has been formed by the deposit of shingle drifting eastwards along the Channel. It was originally called Dengeness, taking its name from Denge Marsh which lies inland. Dungeness pointThrough the centuries, Dungeness point, with its vast treacherous expanse of sand and shingle, was a feared and notorious hazard for mariners. Originally simple fires were the only means of warning sailors of the dangers; the first beacon gave way to a proper lighthouse during the reign of James I in 1615.
As the sea retreated, this had to be replaced in 1635 by a new lighthouse nearer to the water’s edge. As more shingle was thrown up, a new and more up-to-date lighthouse was built closer to the sea in 1792. |
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| Lighthouse under construction |
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| Lighthouse |
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The present ‘Old Lighthouse’ is the fourth to be built on this site and, at 143 feet high, is one of the highest in the UK. Building commenced in 1901 and the lighthouse was operational between 1904 and 1960. The Top Lantern Room, with its slate floor and steel roof, houses the massive circular lens, weighing two tons, which used to float on a mercury base.
Visitors climbing the 169 steps to the top can see the magnificent panorama of Romney Marsh. The fifth lighthouse, in operation today, is situated about half a mile away and is fully automatic. |
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