The Old Law Beacons stand at the tip of a sandy spit on the south side of the entrance to Holy Island Harbour. Vessels entering the harbour lined up the two beacons on a bearing of 260° (just south of due west) before turning sharply northward as they approached the tip of the spit. The beacons were constructed as a day range and no provision was made for lighting them, probably because it was considered too dangerous to enter the harbour at night.
Lights were first introduced around 1993 when a light was listed on the East Beacon. However, it is possible that an unofficial light was displayed for some time before this date. In 1995 Trinity House assumed responsibility for the operation of the light and installed new equipment.
This is also a well known area for seals and other marine wildlife, seals can be seen on the beach.
Date: 23/06/2014
Location: Northumberland beach seen from Holy Island
Photographer: Kevin Wise
