The Look-out Tower, Porthcawl, Bridgend

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.474 / 51°28'26"N

Longitude: -3.702 / 3°42'7"W

OS Eastings: 281891

OS Northings: 176374

OS Grid: SS818763

Mapcode National: GBR H7.L7KG

Mapcode Global: VH5HN.S68W

Plus Code: 9C3RF7FX+H6

Entry Name: The Look-out Tower

Listing Date: 17 February 1998

Last Amended: 17 February 1998

Grade: II

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 19359

Building Class: Communications

Also known as: The Look-out Tower

ID on this website: 300019359

Location: At the extreme E end of the Promenade adjacent to the Breakwater on the very edge of the sea wall.

County: Bridgend

Town: Porthcawl

Community: Porthcawl

Locality: Porthcawl Harbour

Built-Up Area: Porthcawl

Traditional County: Glamorgan

Tagged with: Observation tower

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Porthcawl

History

Part of a complex formerly comprising the lighthouse on the Breakwater 1866, signal station now demolished and lifeboat station inaugurated 1860 and now rebuilt, to provide guidance and a rescue service for sailors in the surrounding treacherous seaways, the site of many wrecks. First coastguard service in Porthcawl 1830s. This building of unknown date is thought to have been constructed after the harbour extension of 1867 and appears on 1st edition OS Map 1885 (surveyed 1876). Shown on a photograph of c1900 much as now but with small-paned lookout windows, also one on seaward side at ground floor, and possibly a chimney.

Exterior

A circular tower, slightly tapered, rendered and white painted, a small gap in the rendering shows stone rubble originally limewashed. Flat roof now of concrete supported internally by cast iron piers on the seaward side where there are 4 replaced large glazed viewing panels. 2 protruding ledges at eye level on each side of unknown purpose. At upper floor right is a small recessed light apparently unaltered facing town. To rear are doors on each level with iron lintels, and keystone to ground floor which also has large stone step. Timber flight of steps to first floor. Sea guidance lights and flag poles on roof.

Reasons for Listing

Listed for its local interest as a building representing the maritime guidance and rescue service provided by the dock in the mid C19; group value with the Outer Basin, the Breakwater, Jennings Warehouse, the Old Customs House, and the Lighthouse.

External Links

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

Other nearby listed buildings

II The Old Customs House
At the W end of the Breakwater near the corner of the Harbour and between Jennings Warehouse and the sea wall.
II Jennings Warehouse
Situated on the west quay of the harbour just North of the Breakwater and S of the surviving harbour basin.
II The Breakwater
The outer arm of Porthcawl Harbour adjoining the E end of The Esplanade.
II Walls of the Outer Basin and West Pier/Quay
On the landward side of the Breakwater, to the E of Porthcawl town.
II Lighthouse on Breakwater Porthcawl Harbour
Prominently sited on the curved outer end of the main breakwater at entrance to Porthcawl harbour.
II Grand Pavilion
On the seafront a little W of the town centre.
II Public Conveniences
In the centre of the main shopping street.
II The Old Police Station
In the town centre on the main shopping street.

British Listed Buildings

History in Structure

The Look-out Tower

A Grade II Listed Building in Porthcawl, Bridgend