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Summary

Bideford or Brauton Lighthouse, on Saunton Sands near Crow Point, was built in the early 19th century, and taken down in 1959.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Earthworks and structural remains of World War II military training features for D-Day Landings on Braunton Burrows and nineteenth century reclaimed field system on Braunton Marsh NW of Horsey Island

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SS43SE/4
• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• LIGHTHOUSE (XIX to Mid 20th Century - 1822 AD to 1959 AD)

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1885, 12NW (Cartographic). SDV339706.

'Bideford Bar Lighthouse' is shown.

Ordnance Survey, 1906, 12NW (Cartographic). SDV335642.

'Bideford Bar Lighthouse (Occulting White)' shown.

Royal Air Force, 1946 - 1949, Royal Air Force Aerial Photographs (Aerial Photograph). SDV342938.

The lighthouse is visible on the Royal Air Force aerial photography.

Hoskins, W. G., 1954, A New Survey of England: Devon, 211, 346-347 (Monograph). SDV17562.

Braunton Lighthouse was lit in 1832. It was near the site of St. Annes Chapel, which marked an ancient crossing of the estuary from Appledore.

Russell, P., 1955, Fire Beacons in Devon, 292 (Article in Serial). SDV336138.

Other details: Appendix B.

Ordnance Survey, 1959, Untitled Source (Cartographic). SDV339708.

'Bideford High Lighthouse' is shown on the Ordnance Survey 6 inch (1959) map.

Bouquet, M., 1963, The North Devon Polaccas, 120-126 (Article in Serial). SDV15604.

Unknown, 1983, Long Gone (Article in Serial). SDV339705.

Photograph take in 1920. "A bit of the past that got away is the 1822 lighthouse on Saunton Sands near Crow Point. It was taken down in 1959."

Nature Conservancy Council, 1989, Braunton Burrows Habitat Map (Cartographic). SDV339613.

'Site of old lighthouse' is marked.

Dick, A. M., 1998, Braunton Lighthouse (Personal Comment). SDV339707.

The red brick foundations are being eroded out of the dunes and carried to Crow Point and beyond, by longshore drift.

Collings, A. G. + Manning, P. T. + Valentin, J., 2007, The North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Phase 1. Archaeological Survey. Summary Report (Report - Assessment). SDV339712.

Other details: Survey number 1623.

Passmore, A. J., 2009, Braunton Burrows Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Archaeological Survey 2009, 3 (Report - Survey). SDV344652.

The Upper Light or Bideford Bar Lighthouse may represent the north end of the crossing point over the estuary.
Visited 2009. Footings of lighthouse are present at the edge of the foreshore, comprising a shuttered concrete base (an early use of this material) with three tapering courses of brick, surmounted by circa 1.5 metre high main brick footings. The seaward corners are splayed and the south-east corner incorporates stone masonry possibly for a door or a fireplace. The east and west elevations incorporate slate-lined recesses possibly associated with the floor. Masonry on the foreshore nearby includes brickwork incorporating an arch. The lighthouse is depicted on the Tithe Map (1841) as a square structure, with three buildings and an enclosure to the north-east, presumably representing a cottage, ancillary buildings and garden. Other details: Plate 8.

Passmore, A. + Knight, S., 2009, Farm Environment Plan (FEP), Updated Spreadsheet of Archaeological Sites (Un-published). SDV344664.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4737 - Stewardship Scheme Archaeological Survey, Braunton Burrows

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