Lighthouse to shed light on landmark’s heritage

Humber lifeboat coxswain Brian Bevan pictured in 1985 as the lighthouse closed.

However instead of guiding shipping, Matthews Lighthouse on Spurn Point, which closed in 1985, will be helping visitors learn more about the history of Spurn - as well as seeing some incredible views from the top of its 145 stairs.

It comes after Yorkshire Wildlife Trust was awarded £470,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Since the tidal surge more than a year ago washed away a stretch of road, people have had to walk up the peninsula, cycle or take YWT transport.

A spokeswoman said: “In a perfect world we’d reopen in the summer but it depends on what kind of things the contractors come up against. The lighthouse has been pretty much untouched for 30 years. You don’t know what hiccups there might be.”

The work involves repainting the lighthouse in and out as well as waterproofing. There will be interpretation on each level, some audio and visual, and an artist in residence on the second floor.

The lighthouse was designed by Sir Thomas Matthews and completed in 1895. It closed in 1985.

Standing 128ft tall its light was visible from 17 miles away.