Teignmouth lighthouse is a lighthouse situated on the south end of the Den promenade at Teignmouth, Devon, England. It is paired with a red polycarbonate leading light at Powderham Terrace behind the lighthouse.[1] It has been a Grade II listed building since 1949.[2]

Teignmouth Lighthouse

View of the lighthouse looking inland
Location	Teignmouth
OS grid	SX9403572484
Coordinates	50.542474°N 3.496847°W / 50.542474; -3.496847
Tower
Constructed	1845
Construction	Limestone
Height	6 m (20 ft)
Shape	Cylindrical
Operator	Teignmouth Harbour Commission
Heritage	Grade II listed building
Light
First lit	1845
Focal height	10 m (33 ft)
Range	6 nmi (11 km; 6.9 mi)
Characteristic	F R

History

The entrance to the River Teign has dangerous currents, rocks and shifting sands, posing a danger to vessels and thus was deemed to require a navigational aid. Under the Harbour Commissioners, planning for the lighthouse commenced in the early 1840s.[3] The limestone lighthouse tower was built in 1844–1845 and came into service in 1845.[1] It was lit by three gas burners, with reflectors, and showed a fixed red light (with a range of 7 nautical miles) to guide ships to the mouth of the harbour.[4]

The lighthouse is currently maintained by the Harbour Master and continues to guide vessels through the channel's sand bars into the harbour.

References