East Usk Lighthouse

The East Usk Lighthouse was constructed in 1893 by Trinity House and entered service on or about 22nd June that year. The lighthouse is one of two marking the entrance to the River Usk (West Usk Lighthouse has not been decommissioned and is now a B&B).

Originally lit by 12 gas cylinders which would last a year, it was converted to electricity in 1972 and is still in operation today. It was the first Trinity House lighthouse in the UK to use the Dalén Sun Valve, an ingenious device for turning an unwatched light on and off using daylight. Combined with the flashing apparatus, the sun valve saved 94% of the gas compared to having the light operating all the time.

Originally much taller than it now appears, the legs of the lighthouse were gradually buried under fly ash from the Uskmouth Power Station.

The lighthouse displays a Port Entry Light consisting of occulting Red, White and Green light sectors that guide shipping into the entrance of Newport dredged channel. It is a vital navigational aid for ship approaching Newport and for over 100 years has played a vital role in marine safety and the economic prosperity of Newport Docks.

The lighthouse is now owned and managed by Newport Harbour Commissioners a Board established by an Act of Parliament, responsible for safe navigation, dredging and pilotage within the Newport Harbour and River Usk up to Newbridge-on-Usk.