Situated on the south side of Start Bay in the South
Hams district in Devon, Start Point is a promontory running almost a
mile into the sea. From here Start Bay extends northwards to the estuary
of the River Dart and the town of Dartmouth. On the coast, from south
to north, are Hallsands, Beesands, Torcross, Slapton Sands and Ley,
Strete, Blackpool Sands and Stoke Fleming. The rocks of the point are
composed of greenschist and mica-schist, and at their very tip stand
Start Point Lighthouse. The Lighthouse, built in 1836 and designed by
James Walker, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel
ever since. The lighthouse tower is 92feet (28 metres) tall, was electrified
in 1959 and automated in 1993. It is now monitored and controlled from
the Trinity House Operations and Planning Centre at Harwich in Essex.
Trinity House runs a visitor centre at the lighthouse which, subject
to weather conditions and Trinity House’s operational requirements,
offers guided tours.
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