Dover Breakwater Knuckle light

Dover Breakwater Knuckle light is a white cast-iron lighthouse in Dover, Kent, standing at the bend of the Southern Breakwater in the Outer Harbour. It is one of two lights on the breakwater, both dating from 1909, and the breakwater itself is Grade II listed.

What is the Knuckle light?

The "Knuckle" is the point where the long breakwater turns north, roughly three quarters of the way along its length. The lighthouse stands right there. It has a cylindrical, three-stage tower painted white, a domed lantern and an external walkway carried on brackets. It is about 16 metres tall. The Kent Historic Environment Record describes it as sitting on a concrete service building, while the national listing text mentions a large rectangular granite plinth. Chance Brothers probably made it, since its twin at the western end follows the same standard design.

How was the breakwater built?

Work on the Southern Breakwater began in 1898 and finished by 1909 as part of the Admiralty Harbour, a major expansion of Dover for the Royal Navy. Together with the Eastern Arm and an extension of the Admiralty Pier, it gave the fleet a sheltered anchorage in an era of torpedo fears. The contractor was Coode, Son and Mathews. The structure is made of concrete blocks weighing 26 to 42 tons each, faced with granite above the waterline. The Historic England entry covers the whole breakwater with both the Knuckle and the western lighthouses, and it was listed at Grade II in December 2009.

What role did it play in wartime?

The bend was a defensive position. Two six-inch guns in concrete emplacements, known as the Breakwater Battery, were set on the Southern Breakwater. During the First World War, coastal batteries were built at both ends. The Knuckle received searchlight positions, and two four-inch guns were added toward the end of the war. The remains of the Knuckle battery are recorded on the Kent HER.

How can you see it?

The breakwater lies inside the working port, so you view the light from a distance. The best vantage points are Dover's seafront promenade and the deck of a ferry heading for Calais or Dunkirk. From there the lighthouse stands against the outer harbour, beside the long granite-faced wall. Bring binoculars or a camera with a longer lens.

Is it the same as the Admiralty Pier light?

No. The Admiralty Pier has its own separate lighthouse, while the Knuckle belongs to the Southern Breakwater. The breakwater's other light, the western one, stands at the opposite end.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside or onto the Knuckle light? No. It stands on a breakwater inside the port and is not open to visitors.

How old is it? It dates from 1909, like the rest of the Southern Breakwater lights.

Where exactly is it? At the bend of the Southern Breakwater, about three quarters of the way out from the shore, where the wall turns north.

Is it a listed structure? Yes. It is covered by the Grade II listing for the whole Southern Breakwater and both of its lighthouses.