St. Catherines light house

St. Catherines light house was first established in the 14th century, although a light was originally set up in 1323 by Walter de Godyton to warn ships of the dangers of its surrounding coastline. He also constructed a Chapel for his family to worship, with a resident priest to conduct Mass. By doing this, it would enable ships to see the warning lights at night. Although, following the dissolution of the Monastries by Henry VIII, the Chapel was abandoned in 1530. Today's tower was built in 1838 in remembrance of the ship Clarendon, which became victim to the treacherous rocks around the coast. Built of ashlar stone, the three-tier octagonal lighthouse was deemed too high, as the lantern was consistantly capped my mist and fog. So in 1875, the light was lowered by 13 meters, with 6 meters removed from the upper tower, and 7 from the middle tier. The beauty of the lighthouse was tarnished by this, and its appearance was considered dwarfed. Unfortunately, the Chapel became no more than a ruin, and the fog signal house began to erode and crack, as it was positioned near the cliff edge, after bearing the brunt of the severe weather and tide.

In 1932, the fog signal was placed on a lower annex to the front of the lighthouse tower, enjoying the same characteristics as its predecessor. Regrettably, the fog signal was discontinued in 1987.During the Second World War on June 1st 1943, a bombing raid destroyed the engine house, killing R. T. Grenfell, C. Tomidns, and W. E. Jones, who had sought shelter in the building. They were keepers on duty at the time, and were subsequently buried in the local cemetery at Intone village. This tragic incident is remembered on a plaque on the ground floor of the main tower. The lighthouse was automated in 1997, with its keepers retiring on 30th July that year. The lighthouse became a reporting station for the Meteorological Office, but is now controlled from the Trinity House Operations Control Centre in Essex. It is still a distinct figure watching over the coast at Niton Undercliffe, giving a guide to shipping in the Channel and to vessels around the Solent.

The Ghosts of St. Catherines light house
This glorious lighthouse harbours the dark figure of a stocky man, who was captured on film standing outside the tower window. Is this the apparition of a previous keeper who is reluctant to leave this magnificent lighthouse.There have been reports of the deafening sounds of movement from a young family heard in the hallway of the adjoining cottage. Accounts of voices and heavy footsteps have also been reported, as well as the bolted front door mysteriously slamming shut as these boisterous spirits leave the premises. Who are this family, and why do they insist on remaining in this elegant building