The Higher Lighthouse on the western edge of Portland. It was built in the 18th century and used until 1906. Today there are three holiday cottages on the site using the old lighthouse keepers quarters and the lighthouse itself. The views from the cliffs here are wonderful, looking out along Chesil Beach towards Golden Cap and Lyme Regis.

Mike Cree

June 7, 2024

The Old Higher Lighthouse is a disused 19th century lighthouse on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, southern England. It is located at Branscombe Hill on the west side of Portland, overlooking Portland Bill. The lighthouse is Grade II Listed.
The surrounding coast of Portland, namely Portland Bill and Chesil Beach, have been notorious for the many vessels that became shipwrecked in the area over the centuries. After years of local petitions to Trinity House, the organisation agreed for a lighthouse to be built at Portland Bill. George I granted the patent in 1716. That year, it was announced that Trinity House had 'caus'd to be erected two round Light-Houses of Stone upon Portland, in the County of Dorset, distant about two Thirds of a Mile from the Bill of Portland'. This one was built at Branscombe Hill, and the other, the Old Lower Lighthouse, on lower land. Designed as leading lights to guide ships between Portland Race and the Shambles sandbank, they shone out for the first time on 29 September 1716. Initially, both were fire lights.
I believe the cottages next to the lighthouse are now holiday lets. details are at oldhigherlighthouse.com

sprengan

July 22, 2022

The disused 19th-century lighthouse on the Isle of Portland is located on Branscombe Hill on Portland's west side, overlooking Portland Bill. The lighthouse is a listed monument. (Source: Wikipedia)

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Elevation 50 m

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Location: Portland, Weymouth And Portland, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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Old Higher Lighthouse

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