HERITAGE

see also our Lowestoft maritime timeline page

1676 Samuel Pepys was elected a Master of the Trinity Brethren, and immediately sanctioned a new Lowestoft lighthouse. A  new Lighthouse tower was constructed, built of brick, this time on the cliffs. This became known as Lowestoft High Light. Trinity in its earlier records sometimes refers to the northernmost of the two Ness Point foreshore lights as the 'upper' light, which can be confusing.(drawing p93).

1670's The Lowestoft Lights were re-built again. A few years previously John Clayton had erected a coal-light a couple of miles north at Corton. Clayton's efforts to build lighthouses at various locations around the coast were seen by Trinity Brethren as being a threat to their monopoly.

1735 Low Light moved because of changes to Stan(d)ford Channel

1706 the remaining Low Light ceased operation, possibly because "...the sea overwhelmed it..." (p97 Lights of East Anglia by Neville Long, 1983)

1796 High Light fitted with "eleven Argand burners set in the focus of silvered reflectors" (p102 Lights of East Anglia by Neville Long, 1983)

1778 A 'spangle light' was tested for one night on Lowestoft Low Light by several Trinity Elders sailing out to sea. The design was never permanently used. A many-signed letter said the new light was 'constant, certain and regular', and seen from a greater distance than the coalfired light. In February 1779 a 'small reflector was ordered to be fixed to a triangle or beacon'. In September 1779 '...a Mr Smith was paid £6.5.o for a plated reflector, lamp and fountain'. Added: 23 September, 2023