The tall and elegant custodians of Britain’s shores that dot the coastline are unmistakable traditional coastal icons. The lighthouse holds a classic air of maritime magic to the many who admire them from a distance; the romantic notion of a remote and unyielding tower lighting dark, stormy seas for passing ships is one that hasn’t diminished, despite the fact that all of Britain’s lighthouses are now run automatically and remotely.

Although there are some examples of lighthouses that date back to Roman times, the classical shape and design that we have come to know and love first appeared on our shores over 300 years ago.

In the mid seventeenth century, Britain dominated the world’s seas. Elegant barques, schooners and brigs from all over the country set sail to criss-cross oceans on voyages of discovery and delivery.

But the craggy and rugged coastline of Britain posed challenges and very real dangers to the mariners of the time. Rocky outcrops, small islands and jagged promontories became deadly obstacles in the pitch dark of night or bad weather.

Some early warning devices were used such as lighting fires along the shoreline, but in 1609 Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales, erected their first lighthouse at Lowestoft. So successful were the candle-lit lights at guiding ships through the perilous sandbanks that during the next 200 years, a huge wave of lighthouse building swept across the coast.

The coast of Wales was one of the busiest shipping routes in the country, and lighthouses were soon erected to guard the approaches to Merseyside in the north and the Severn in the south. One of the first lighthouses built in Wales was on the Skerries, the rocky series of islands off the northern coast of Anglesey.

And another very famous Anglesey lighthouse is South Stack – located on the very western tip of the island. It was built in 1809 to warn passing ships about the perilous rocks below the headland. It’s 91 foot tall and visible 28 miles out to see. It’s one of Anglesey’s icons, and it has been open to the public for tours and an exhibition room. The lighthouse is owned by Trinity House, the British body that oversees all UK Lighthouses; however it is leased by Anglesey Council. The running of the lighthouse was overseen by the council, but they have recently advised that they will give up the lease to South Stack in March 2017, as part of a bid to cut spending.

So, the lease to the iconic South Stack Lighthouse is up for grabs. The council hope that a charity, business or community group will take over the lease and continue the tours and educational aspect of the famous beacon. So, if you’ve ever fancied living in a lighthouse, maybe now is your chance!

See the full story here and don’t forget to check back later in the week for a stunning Oakeley Walk around South Stack lighthouse, so you can visit this beautiful landmark for yourself….