Coquet

55° 20.033' N 001° 32.387' W (not for navigation purposes)

Photo by Ian Cowe

History

Coquet Island is a small low tract of green pastureland lying close inshore off the Northumberland coast. In 1841 Trinity House built a very substantial lighthouse on the south western shore at a cost of £3,268.

The lighthouse was built to the design of James Walker, the white square tower is of sandstone surrounded by a turreted parapet with walls in excess of one metre thick. The dwelling houses are also an integral part of the fortress-like structure where the keepers appointed to attend the light lived during their periods on duty.

The first keeper appointed to Coquet lighthouse was William Darling, elder brother of Grace Darling. He was in fact the second of her brothers to become a keeper in the Trinity House Service. It has been said that it was probably a boat trip to see her brother at Coquet Island in the summer of 1842 that led to a chill which eventually proved fatal to her. In fact Grace Darling died from tuberculosis ("consumption").

Specifications

Established	1841
Height Of Tower	22 Metres
Height Of Light Above Mean High Water	25 Metres
Automated	1990
Electrified	1976
Optic	AGA PRB 21
Lamp	35W CDMT Metal Halide
Optic	1st Order Catadioptric Fixed Lens
Character	White And Red Flashing 3 Times Every 20 Seconds
Intensity	White 155,000 Candela, Red 21,830 Candela
Range Of Light	White 19 nautical miles; red 15 nautical miles
Fog Signal Character	One 3 Second Blast Every 30 Seconds
Fog Signal Range	2 nautical miles