Killingholme South Low Lighthouse

Killingholme South Low Lighthouse stands in South Killingholme, North Lincolnshire, on the south bank of the Humber Estuary in eastern England. The four-storey brick tower, about 15 metres tall, belongs to a set of leading lights that once steered ships through the lower reaches of the river.

What is this lighthouse?

It dates from 1836, when local builder William Hearfield was contracted to raise two towers roughly 620 feet (about 190 m) apart to a design credited to Francis Dales. The walls are brick and cement, rendered inside and out. This was the original Low Light; it only became "South Low" after a new low light, North Low, went up at Killingholme in 1852. Historic England listed it at Grade II on 17 October 1985 (list entry 1215093).

How did leading lights work?

Humber pilots relied on pairs of lights, one high and one low. Seen from the channel, the two lights lined up vertically when a ship was on the correct course between the sandbanks. South Low worked together with the nearby Killingholme High tower, rebuilt in 1876-77 and standing around 30 metres. Do not confuse it with Killingholme North Low, a separate tower with its own listing (1103707).

What will you see?

This is a look-from-the-outside stop: a slim whitewashed tower rising from flat farmland and industrial land, with port facilities and refinery-era development close by. There is no interior visit. Low sun gives the best photos, when the brick and render stand out against the sky.

How do you get there?

South Killingholme lies near Immingham and Grimsby, about 20 km from Grimsby and not far from the Humber Bridge. Driving is the practical option, as local bus services are sparse. The tower sits at 53.6465 N, 0.2162 W. It makes sense to combine it with a look at the other two Killingholme towers.

When should you visit?

The tower is visible all year. Late spring and summer offer long days and dry lanes for a photo stop. The landscape is flat and exposed, so bring a windproof layer even in warm months.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the lighthouse? No. It is a heritage landmark viewed from outside.

How old is it? It was built in 1836, so it is nearly 190 years old.

How do South Low, North Low and High differ? South Low is the original 1836 low light; North Low followed in 1852; High is the taller tower rebuilt in 1876-77. Each has its own listing.

Where is South Killingholme? In North Lincolnshire on the Humber's south shore; the village had about 1,100 residents at the 2011 census.