Full Report for Listed Buildings
The list description is not intended to be a complete inventory of what is listed: it is principally intended to aid identification. By law, the definition of a listed building includes the entire building (i) and any structure or object that is fixed to the said building and ancillary to it and (ii) any other structure or object that forms part of the land and has done so since before 1 July 1948, and was within the curtilage of the building, and ancillary to it, on the date on which said building was first included in the list, or on 1 January 1969, whichever was later.
Summary Description
Reference Number
19359
Building Number
Grade
II
Status
Designated
Date of Designation
17/02/1998
Date of Amendment
17/02/1998
Name of Property
The Look-out Tower
Address
Location
Unitary Authority
Bridgend
Community
Porthcawl
Town
Porthcawl
Locality
Porthcawl Harbour
Easting
281891
Northing
176374
Street Side
E
Location
At the extreme E end of the Promenade adjacent to the Breakwater on the very edge of the sea wall.
Description
Broad Class
Communications
Period
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.
Interior
Reason for designation
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.
Cadw : Full Report for Listed Buildings [ Records 1 of 1 ]
Export