The Westerlichttoren or West Schouwen is a lighthouse in Haamstede, Netherlands. Designed by L. Valk, it was built in 1837. At 47 m (154 ft) above ground and a light stand at 58 m (190 ft) above sea level it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the Netherlands.
 Westerlichttoren Lighthouse | |
 | |
| Location | Haamstede, Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°42′32.3″N 3°41′29.6″E / 51.708972°N 3.691556°E |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1840 |
| Construction | brick tower |
| Automated | yes |
| Height | 50 metres (160 ft) |
| Shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings | white and red spiral tower, red lantern and dome |
| Heritage | Rijksmonument  |
| Light | |
| Focal height | 58 metres (190 ft) |
| Lens | second order Fresnel lens |
| Intensity | 2000 W |
| Range | 30 nautical miles (56 km) |
| Characteristic | Gp Fl.(2+1) |
| Netherlands no. | NL-0324[1] |
The lighthouse is built in brick and iron, the walls are 2.4 m thick at the bottom, tapering upward. It is painted in a red-and-white spiral. A stair of 226 steps, in stone and partially in iron, leads to the top. The lighthouse is unattended.
Light
editThe lighthouse is switched on and off automatically by a light sensor. A sailor can recognise the light by its characteristic: group flash 2+1. The current lenses were installed in 1953. Originally the light was an incandescent light bulb of 4200 W, which has been replaced by a 2000 W gas-discharge lamp.
Notability
editThis lighthouse was well known by the public as it was used for the former 250 Dutch guilder note designed by Ootje Oxenaar.
See also
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References
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- ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Southern Netherlands". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
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