Pakefield

Pakefield Lighthouse is a decommissioned 19th century lighthouse which was built near Pakefield a suburb of Lowestoft, Suffolk. The lighthouse tower has been used for a variety of maritime, civilian and military roles, and is currently used as a Coastwatch lookout post.

Completed in 1832 to a design by the architect Richard Suter, it was commissioned by Trinity House to enable a safe passage to be made through Pakefield Gatway (a channel between two shifting sandbanks providing a way into Lowestoft harbour).

The 9 metres high white tower and keeper’s accommodation were built within the estate of Pakefield Hall, on low cliffs overlooking the sea.

The light was powered by two argand lamps and originally consisted of a constant white light that could be seen for 16km. In 1835 the colour was changed to red, as some ships had confused the light with those shining from the windows of clifftop houses in nearby Kessingland.