The North-East of England is famous for countless British and world 'firsts'; and the stunning coastal landmark that is Souter Lighthouse, betwixt the mouths of the Tyne and the Wear, represents another such effort. For, despite being out of action since 1988, the gleaming specimen that we still see today, was the very first lighthouse in Britain - and most likely, we think, the world - to be designed and built specifically to use electric power. When it was switched on in 1871 it was, therefore, the most advanced structure of its type.
Previously, operators of the South Foreland Lighthouse near Dover had fiddled around with electrical power during 1858-62, but this effort was an adaptation of an existing building. Souter was purpose-built for electricity from its inception - and constructed after a good deal of research following on from that earlier South Foreland experiment.
Strangely, the lighthouse is, strictly speaking, incorrectly named. For the structure sits on Lizard Point, with Souter Point being about a mile to the south. After much humming and hawing, Lizard Point was considered a better spot than Souter Point, so it was erected a little further north than originally intended. But as there was already a 'Lizard Lighthouse' down in Cornwall, they decided to stick with the geographically-incorrect moniker to avoid confusion. The light itself was generated by a carbon arc lamp, and was first lit to great acclaim on 11th January 1871.
This particular stretch of coastline had an appalling record when it came to shipwrecks, with dangerous reefs and rocky outcrops abounding; so the new warning beacon was considered an essential addition to the coastal scene. The light, which was generated by two magneto-electric generators, had a range of 26 miles, and was supplemented by a huge double-foghorn - which itself was powered by the same source. Then, in 1891, the tower gained its distinctive broad red band!
Obviously, the lighthouse was upgraded from time to time, including being converted to oil-power in 1914 - eventually reverting to electric (this time via mains electricity) in 1952. Trinity House, who were of course responsible for Souter Lighthouse's construction back in 1871, eventually decommissioned its own creation in 1988. Perhaps unusually, it was never automated, so the building happily retains much of its old internal workings.
The site is now run by the National Trust and is open to visitors. It is blessed with a cafe and small second-hand bookshop ... and even has a couple of holiday lets!
