Dunston Pillar
The only inland lighthouse in Britain, erected in 1751 to guide travellers across the heathland south of Lincoln.
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Harmston, Lincolnshire, LN4 2
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The original land lighthouse was commissioned by Sir Francis Dashwood (better known as the founder of the Hellfire Club) in 1751 as a navigational aid to assist those crossing the heathland around Dunston and Nocton. The purpose of the land lighthouse was to improve the safety of 18th century travellers crossing a particularly treacherous area of the county known for its many incidents of highway robbery (including a number believed to have been carried out by the notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin).
The structure originally stood 30 metres high (90 ft) with a large octagonal lantern on top of the tower. The lantern was regularly lit until 1788 and was used for the last time in 1808, by which time improvements in the local road network had effectively made it obsolete.
In 1808, the lantern was destroyed in a storm and was replaced with a Coade stone bust of King George III by the Earl of Buckinghamshire, to celebrate fifty years of the king's reign.
In 1940, the pillar was considered to be a hazard to low-flying aircraft approaching nearby RAF Waddington, and was thus lowered by 10 metres to reduce the risk of accident. At this time the bust of King George III was removed and can now be seen in the grounds of Lincoln Castle.
By road: The Pillar is located to the East of the A15 between Lincoln and Sleaford, just South of RAF Waddington. The B1178 going West (signed Harmston) is adjacent the site. There are two gate lodges at the end of the drive to the Pillar. Park at roadside on end of drive.
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