A lighthouse was first established at Flamborough by Sir John Clayton in 1669, but was never kindled. In about 1674, an octagonal chalk tower was built and is alleged to be the oldest complete lighthouse in England. It is believed to have been lit by coal burning fires, although recent restoration work found no evidence of coal fires at the top of the tower, cast doubts over whether it was merely a landmark.

This beacon light tower is the only known example in England. It now stands, a gleaming monument to the rightful awe in which mariners beheld the jagged, dangerous coast.

The tower stands further back from the coast than the current lighthouse, which dates from 1806 (see entry). Its location suggests that sailors would have found it difficult to see the coal powered light in poor visibility.