Roker Pier Lighthouse

Built between 1902-1903 by engineer Henry Hay Wake. The foundations of the lighthouse base were constructed the same method as the pier by using a caisson made from concrete bags and huge caste iron casing. This was floated out and sunk in position. Thus was 101ft(30.78m) long and 66ft (20.12m) at it’s widest point. Once the caisson was in place it was filles with 10,000 tons of concrete and superstructure then built above.

The original lantern was gas powered 350 candle power lights emitting 45,000 candle power when reflected. It operated on a dioptric system (8 sided forming a octagonal prism around the lamp centre). Each side was occupied by a plano-convex lens. The central lens was surrounded by a series of glass rings. The lens and reflectors moved around by clockwork. The mechanism used mercury to float it to reduce friction. This was visible for 15 miles with a focal plain of 83ft (25.30m above high water. A complete set of oil lamps was also installed in case of gas supply failure. The lantern was made by Messrs. Chance Brothers of Birmingham.)

Outside the lantern there was a foghorn, this was driven by compressed air and would blast every 2 seconds. It was driven by a motor installed by Messrs Scott and Mountain of Newcastle.

In May 1904 the gas burners were replaced with ‘vapourised petroleum’ at a cost of £100. The oil burners were cheaper to run, and the new light was 1,200 candle power increased to 150,000 by the reflectors. The old gas burners were retained as a back up and would lit automatically if the oil burners failed.

In 1931 the lighthouse was converted from gas to electric, earlier burners were retained in case of emergencies. An alarm panel was installed in the bedroom of the light house keeper’s cottage to warn of any failures in supply. Today a light is kept on the upper floor of the lighthouse to inform the resort manage of similar issues.

During the second world war a military building was built just beneath the lighthouse. It was described as a torpedo storage bay (Roker Resort Office) but this is unlikely and is most probable that is was an anti-motor torpedo boat battery.

The original lens was replaced in 1986 by a gearless pedestal, with a range of 23 miles. The original lens was transferred to Sunderland Museum although it cannot be located.

In 2007 the new pedestal was replaced with a more energy efficient PRL400 system, reducing the power of the lamps to just 400watts with 8 panels. The current lamp has a range of 22 miles and was installed by Pelangi International.

In 2012 restoration began on Roker Pier & Lighthouse. Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund has allowed Sunderland City Council to work on the structure, aiming to sympathetically restore it to its former glory when it was opened in 1903.

Today the lighthouse and pier remain a popular local attraction.