Bude’s historic observation tower is being moved brick by brick to save it from the sea

VaselineJuly 19, 2024

0 1 minute read

Bude’s historic observation tower is being moved brick by brick to save it from the sea

A historic coastal lookout tower has been moved inland brick by brick – to protect it from falling into the sea. The 188-year-old coastguard tower near Bude was moved 100 meters over a two-year period to save it from coastal erosion.

The Grade II listed Compass Point storm tower, known as the Pepperpot, sits atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. Built of sandstone and shale, it has saved the lives of countless sailors over the past two centuries.

Designed by George Wightwick, the tower has eight sides that map the points of a compass. A coast guard stayed inside during high tides and storms and used a mast to alert ships.

The tower has now been moved to prevent it falling into the sea – it was previously moved in 1881 for the same reason. Scroll down to see images of the work:

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Scaffolding will rise in 2023

(Image: SWNS)

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Cornwall’s 188-year-old coastguard tower has been moved 100 meters to save it from coastal erosion

(Image: SWNS)

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The work is painstaking and complicated

(Image: SWNS)

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Bude Pepperpot Lookout photographed in 2023 before being moved

(Image: SWNS)

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This was a huge project to undertake

(Image: SWNS)

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Bude Pepperpot Lookout is a historic monument in Cornwall

(Image: SWNS)

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Mick Robson was captured in July 2023 as the Bude Tower construction worker salvages an engraving his late friend Kev put up in the tower in the 1970s.

(Image: SWNS)

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The Grade II listed Compass Point Storm Tower sits on a cliff near Bude overlooking the Atlantic

(Image: SWNS)

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Workers moved the monument piece by piece to preserve it

(Image: SWNS)

VaselineJuly 19, 2024

0 1 minute read