Start Point Lighthouse, South Devon, England Aug 20, 2023

These humongous structures function by utilizing a combination of light, instruments, and precise engineering. Among these renowned structures is the Start Point Lighthouse, standing tall on a rugged cliff in Devon, England, overlooking the English Channel. Built in 1836, this elegant lighthouse was designed by James Walker—a British civil engineer—and its bright beam guided vessels to safe passage throughout its existence. These towering structures have had an invaluable role in shaping maritime history and ensuring the safety of seafarers in treacherous waters worldwide.

© Guy Edwardes/Minden Pictures

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