Black Nore Lighthouse (a grade II-listed Somerset building)
Black Nore Lighthouse in Portishead (Somerset) is unusual in that it’s not looked after by Trinity House, but by a small community organisation. Unfortunately due to lack of funds, this grade II listed building is now in jeopardy, with many coming together, to ensure it does not end up as a luxury holiday home or get knocked down altogether.
Built from cast iron, the lighthouse was powered by gas to guide ships into the River Avon and Avonmouth docks. It later used electricity, but was de-commissioned back in 2010.
The unique latticework frame was specially designed to reduce wind resistance, due to the large tidal range in the area. After it was no longer in operation, it was sold to Black Nore Lighthouse Trust for just £1, to be preserved as a monument.
Overlooking the Severn Estuary, if no new organisation is found to care for it, the lighthouse will revert to being owned by the Crown (‘bona vacantia’) until a decision is made. This basically means that King Charles III will own the property, but he will not be legally able to make decisions about it.
That would in this case be a shame. Because it’s likely that the monarch would be more likely to protect it, than governments, who at present seem intent on destroying wildlife-rich areas, in order to build on them.
