This lighthouse that’s been red for 160 years must be painted green

By Tom Bevan

A historic lighthouse must be repainted green to conform to maritime law - despite having stood bright red for 160 years.

Orders have been made to change the color of the Watchet Lighthouse because its traditional crimson color is in breach of international maritime safety rules.

The hexagonal shape landmark has been stationed at the entrance to the Somerset town's harbour and marina for 164 years and its light can be seen from nine miles out to sea.

Harbourmaster Capt Jessica Tyson told the town’s harbor advisory committee the lighthouse was not compliant with the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.

Capt Tyson said the 22-foot-tall cast-iron lighthouse was a designated navigational aid and therefore should be green in color.

She said it works on a system where, if you come from the seaward side it should be green, but on the landward side it was red.

She added: "The lighthouse on the end of the west pier in Watchet is a navigational mark, primarily for marking the entrance into the harbour.

"The tower has always apparently been red. But we have annual inspections by the general lighthouse authority in the UK and it's been highlighted it's a little non-complaint.

"As we have a red tower with a green light,  it can lead to confusion if you're coming into the harbour.

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"There has been some confusion by some mariners and sailors where they thought they've been heading to the entrance appropriately. Then as they've got a little bit closer realized they are not coming into the harbour - but heading into the wall.

"So, obviously with the increase in traffic and the new marina, we are trying to ensure we have safe navigation into the harbor, which would include the correct lighting at the entrance.

"So I took it to the harbour advisory committee that we would paint the seaward panels. green, the correct colour, so mariners coming into the harbour can do so safely."

Capt Tyson said in order to meet the requirement she would have the seaward panels painted green while the landward panels would remain red.

Members of the advisory committee voted to support the change.

Built in 1862 on the harbour’s west pier, the lighthouse has always featured a green cupola roof topped with an ornate weather vane.

Its building was put out to tender and even had a bid from Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

A design by James Abernethy was eventually approved and it was built by Hennet Spinks and Else, of Bridgwater, for just $75.

The lighthouse was removed and repositioned on a new breakwater after harbour walls were damaged in a storm in 1900.

Following damage to the harbour walls in a storm during 1900, the lighthouse was removed and five years later it was re-positioned on the new breakwater.