Coldharbour Point Lighthouse

Across the churning waters of the Thames, Coldharbour Point Lighthouse stands sentinel. Coldharbour Point Lighthouse has guided ships for well over a century. It’s a beacon of safety in the often-treacherous waters. Coldharbour Point, a small promontory jutting out into the Thames, has been a vital navigational point since 1885. The lighthouse, at 38 feet tall, isn’t the largest. But its light, flashing white every 2.5 seconds, is visible for 3 miles. This vital beam warns ships away from the shallows and guides them safely along the river. This point is just across the river from Erith in Bexley. It’s interesting to note that the nearest accessible settlement by land isn’t right next to the lighthouse. It’s the town of Rainham, connected by Coldharbour Lane. There is a nearby village called Wennington. But it’s inaccessible by road due to the A13 and surrounding marshlands. Long before the lighthouse, Coldharbour Point was known as a ferry crossing. This “short ferry,” in contrast to the “long ferry” to London, connected Coldharbour Point to Erith from the Middle Ages until the 19th century. Imagine travelers making that short journey across the water, relying on the ferryman’s skill. Today, plaques entitled “Pilgrim Ferry” commemorate this historical link between the two sides of the river. Now the area around Coldharbour Point is mostly industrial, known as the Freightmaster Estate depot. But echoes of its past still linger. The Coldharbour Point Lighthouse stands as a testament to its enduring importance. It’s a reminder of a time when this small point of land played a crucial role in connecting communities and guiding travelers along the Thames.