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West Nene Lighthouse

Fl (2) Green 5s🇬🇧South Holland, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About West Nene Lighthouse

Also known as: West Nene (West Sutton)

Constructed in the 1830s, the West Nene lighthouse stands on the west bank of the River Nene near Sutton Bridge. This cylindrical white tower, 19 meters high, was built following the dredging of a new channel for the river. Originally part of a customs station, the attached two-story building has since been converted into a private residence. Although it was never officially lit by maritime authorities, the lighthouse is now charted as an unofficial aid. Its focal plane reaches 21 meters, and it emits a green flash every 5 seconds, with a geographic range of 13.4 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This structure marks a specific dredged cut at the mouth of the River Nene, serving as a navigational gateway for vessels entering or leaving the waterway.

Background
Sutton Bridge is a town and civil parish in the South Holland district of Lincolnshire, England. It is situated on the A17 road, 7 miles (11 km) north from Wisbech and 9 miles (14 km) west from King's Lynn. The village includes a commercial dock on the west bank of the River Nene over which spans a swing bridge, and the parish, two 19th-century lighthouses 3 miles (5 km) to the north from the village on the Nene.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Green 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl G 5s
Focal Height
21.03m
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1830

Significant events: Built when a new cut was dredged for the River Nene, originally a customs station, modified as a private residence, never officially lit but now charted as an unofficial light

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sutton Bridge(2.1 km)
ARLHS No.
ENG-056
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q17549387 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: round tower attached to a 2-story building

Location

City
South Holland
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located on the west bank of the River Nene, near its mouth in Sutton Bridge, marking a newly dredged cut
Latitude
52.8087°
Longitude
0.2108°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify West Nene Lighthouse at night?+
West Nene displays the characteristic Fl (2) Green 5s — 2 green flashes every 5 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does West Nene Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
West Nene Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sutton Bridge at 2.3 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include King's Lynn (7.2 NM ESE), Wisbech (8.5 NM SSW), Stowbridge (12 NM SSE), Boston (12.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is West Nene Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, West Nene Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near West Nene Lighthouse?+
West Nene Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near West Nene Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near West Nene Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.