Lizard Point

Lizard Point marks the southern extremity of mainland Britain beside the western approaches to the English Channel. Its hazardous coastal waters prompted repeated attempts to provide a navigational light. Sir John Killigrew completed a tower in 1619, intending to maintain it through voluntary contributions from passing ships. When those contributions failed, the crown imposed a tonnage charge. Opposition from shipowners helped end the scheme: the patent was withdrawn, the light extinguished and the tower demolished.

A more durable lighthouse followed in 1752, built by Thomas Fonnereau with two towers and accommodation between them. Coal fires supplied the lights, and an overseer watched their brightness while attendants worked the bellows. Trinity House took responsibility in 1771. In the early 1810s oil lamps replaced the coal lights, improving the service offered to ships passing the headland. The history of these lights reflects both the danger of the Channel approaches and the practical problem of paying for a public navigational aid used by many different vessels.