Ramsgate Lighthouse

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Ramsgate Lighthouse is located on the west pier of the harbour.

Ramsgate’s development as a harbour began in the 18th century, driven by the increasing need for safe harbours for ships navigating the English Channel. Construction of the harbour commenced in 1749, but it wasn’t until 1792 that Ramsgate began to take shape as the impressive port we see today.

The east and West stone piers, forming the outer harbour, were built in 1779. John Smeaton drew up plans in 1783 for a lighthouse on the west pier but died in 1792 before the project was completed. Samuel Wyatt eventually built the first Ramsgate Lighthouse in 1795.

Image of Ramsgate Lighthouse on the West Pier on a sunny day, the sea and east pier of the harbour are in the background

Image source: Lighthouse Accommodation