The Talacre Lighthouse sits on the beach at the Point of Ayr in Flintshire, the northernmost point of mainland Wales. I was experiencing a breezy day on Talacre beach but I can't remember now whether the tide was going in, or out.
A lighthouse was placed here in 1776 after a storm wrecked two ships with a loss of 200 lives and cargo and it is considered the oldest lighthouse in Wales. Around 1818 the original building was destroyed by the sea but Trinity House built this more robust structure in 1820. It stands 60 ft high with a 18 ft diameter. The aim was to guide ships away from the sandbanks and provide a bearing for the Port of Liverpool and mark the rivers of the Mersey and Dee. Deactivated in 1883 (and superseded by the Dee lightship) it is now in private ownership.
In the 19th Century the lighthouse would have had red and white stripes and it looks as though it could do with a lick of paint now, although when it featured at the end of the
Dulux Dog advert in 2011 it was pure white and this was also the year when the owner put it up for sale (I believe it was eventually sold earlier this year). The door is only accessible on foot at low tide and at high tide there are 40 yards of water to the beach however the buyer does get a residential ghost which of course is a lighthouse keeper who stands in front of the glass dome. It is said that dogs don't like the spooky vibes and run away,
but this one was too busy enjoying the water to bother about that. In 2010 as part of an art project a temporary stainless steel figure called 'The Keeper' was erected on the balcony, I wonder if anyone saw double?
The dunes the lighthouse was originally built on have since retreated and that is why it stands in the middle of the beach. Today the sand dunes are protected and the perfect place for its residential Natterjack Toads.
The 870 mile Wales Coastal Path runs through Talacre so perhaps The Smugglers Inn would be a place to stop off for a drink. The sign says they serve Tavern Beers.
An entry to ABC Wednesday, a journey through the alphabet this week sojourning at T
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8 comments:
Lots of interesting information here - I enjoy Neil Oliver's series on Coast, and here is another wonderful example of an easrly lighthouse.
I love lighthouses!
ROG, ABCW
Most interesting piece Joy,
I really didn't know there was a lighthouse at Talacre, let alone a resident ghost !
When visiting North Wales we tend to gravitate further down the coastline either to Anglesey or The Lleyn Peninnsular, the beaches are nicer and Anglesey is a particular favourite holiday spot of ours.
Best wishes,
Di.
ABCW team.
Too bad the old lighthouses are going out of commission. Ours at Flamborough Head is still looking good but the old robust fog horn has now been replaced by a wimpy electronic one.
Didn't know it featured in the Dulux ad - it was probably repainted for use in the ad and now it is beginning to peel.
I've never seen a lighthouse in the water. Pretty unique. - Margy
What a beautiful old lighthouse. I'm not sure I've ever seen one right on the shore like that.
looks like it needs a new coat of paint,
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