A visit to the site of the old Formby Lighthouse
The site of the old Formby Lighthouse, which was erected in 1719 and demolished in 1941 was visited as part of the Festival of British Archaeology, on an event organised by Formby Civic Society.
This site is normally ‘out of bounds’ to the public, being within the perimeter of Altcar Rifle Range on the bank of the Alt and is now almost completely forgotten. With the kind permission of Major W. J Hunter MBE BEM TD, Camp Commandant, thirty five interested visitors were able to visit the site on Sunday 25th July to discuss the history of this structure, once described as the Methuselah of local nautical structures
For most of the 220 years that it stood overlooking the Mersey approaches, it was simply a 120 ft tall unlit brick landmark but for two relatively short periods was converted to a lighthouse. It was demolished in 1940 because it was too useful a landmark for German Bombers heading for Liverpool, so there is nothing to be seen now, but it once had great significance for the tricky navigation of the Mersey, being constructed in conjunction with Liverpool’s first enclosed Dock to improve safety of navigation of the ever-changing Mersey channels and having close links with nearby Formby Lifeboat Station (Britain’s First).
Explanation of the significance of the site was provided by Mike Stammers, Maritime Historian, Mark Adams, archaeologist John Houston, environmental advisor and local historian Reg Yorke.
The Altcar Rifle Range Commandant has now erected a special permanent wooden site marker and has pulled together a collection of photos. All visitors enjoyed the event, hearing a little about the significance of the site, and the hospitality extended.
It is likely that the remains of its foundations which lie buried may perhaps be excavated at some future date.
