Low Lighthouse – Harwich Maritime Museum 2026

Built in 1818 to replace an earlier wooden structure dating from the late 17th century, but then became redundant in 1863. In their younger days the two (High and Low) lighthouses worked as a pair as they were 150 yards apart; with one light positioned over the other (as seen from the sea), the vessel was then on the correct course. Being 45ft (16.5 metre) high, ten-sided tower of brick, with the ground storey having a projecting canopy to provide public shelter, and lighthouse is now the towns’ maritime museum.

Contacts

Operator: Harwich Society

Address: Harbour Crescent Harwich Essex CO12 3NL

Telephone: 01255 502 872
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

Open Days & Times

Every Sat-Sun & BHol 1030-1600. Fri 1100-1500 in school hols. Also last Fri in Jul. Visit website for more details.

Travel

By Rail: Railway Town / 0.5 miles

Facilities

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There have been three pairs of lighthouses through the ages, from the original wooden pair, which no longer exist, then the brick built ones that still stand in Harwich, to the cast iron ones that still stand on Dovercourt Seafront. None of these existing lighthouses are used for navigation purposes today. The brick lighthouses in Harwich were built in 1818 under the supervision of John Rennie Senior to replace earlier wooden ones. They belonged to General Rebow who became very rich by charging 1d per ton light duties on all cargoes coming into the port.