Our local Lighthouses
From the grounds of Bronllys Farm not just one, but two lighthouses can be seen in the stretch of sea known as the Burry Inlet. The tides here are among the most rapid and variable in height in the world so careful navigation is essential. In former times the shipping was associated with the local heavy industry, but today much lighter vessels ride the waves.
Burry Port Lighthouse was built in 1842 to direct into the recently constructed harbour, which was the main loading point for the ubiquitous coal mined in the surrounding valleys. The harbour today functions as Carmarthenshire’s only marina.
The beautiful Burry Port Harbour
It’s quite a small circular stone tower at only 24 feet high but the white, black and red structure is an iconic landmark and much loved by locals and visitors alike.
It stands in a commanding position on the breakwater and affords simply outstanding views towards the famed Gower Peninsula. If you visit the area do take a stroll to it and, conditions permitting, enjoy the romance of a Carmarthenshire sunset.
A sunset to die for at Burry Port lighthouse
The lighthouse was restored with the support of Burry Port Yacht Club and a new lamp was donated. It officially ‘opened’ in 1996 and the reflector light can be seen from a distance of 15 nautical miles which to most of us is about 17 regular miles.
In 2016 the County Council installed as replica on a roundabout on the outskirts of town, with flowerbeds, as part of the Wales in Bloom competition. You will pass it if you drive between Pwll and Burry Port. The key difference is that it has no light but so far this has not been a danger to motorists, and nobody has yet driven into it.
The A484 towards Pwll from Burry Port
The second structure that can, just about, be viewed from the top of our shorter driveway is the historic Whiteford Lighthouse. Built by a local engineer John Bowen in 1861 after the original from 1854 was badly damaged in a storm, it is only one of two surviving waved washed cast iron lighthouses in the world – the other being down in South Africa. That means it is entirely surrounded by water at high tide.
Can you see it? The view from Bronllys Farm towards Whiteford Lighthouse
At 44 feet high it comprises 500 cast iron plates and massive bolts; quite a work of art as well as providing protection from the shallow shoals of Whiteford Sands on the Gower. You can walk out to it at low tide from there but please do not try to do so from our side. The Burry Port lifeboat crew are a friendly bunch, but there are easier ways to get acquainted.
Apparently, the lighthouse keeper had two week shifts out there and survived mainly on hard ship’s biscuits and self-caught fish whilst making ropes to while away the time. The ideal getaway for some. A nightmare for others.
Some gentle wave washing of Whiteford Lighthouse
Whiteford Lighthouse at low tide
The lighthouse was discontinued in 1921 but local yachtsman, who were prone to unexpectedly get grounded, campaigned for a new solar light which was installed in 1981. It flashed every 5 seconds until it eventually failed and has yet to be replaced. It is still claimed to provide navigational assistance in daylight, assuming good eyesight of course!
Whiteford Lighthouse is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II listed building. Though now owned by the Council it was some time ago put up for sale for a paltry £1 on the proviso that £200,000 was spent on renovation. There have been no takers so far and as the years pass it is becoming increasingly unsafe to deal with. We’ll keep watch and hope that one of our occasional lashing storms doesn’t herald its demise. That would certainly be a shame.