Old Light House -Kannur Fort

Old Light House -Kannur Fort, originally uploaded by SANAND K.

The Portuguese lead by Vasco Da Gama first landed at Kappad beach in 1498. They built the St. Angelo Fort at Kannur in the early 16th century. Almost two centuries later, the region came under the control of the British, who established a cantonment at Cannanore in the 19th century.
In order to warn ships at sea of land, a system of hoisting a lantern with oil wick lamp was introduced in 1843 by the British. A masonry pedestal was constructed in 1903 on the rampart of the fort and a double wick oil lamp inside the 4th order dioptric lens and lantern with arrangement for occultation was placed on this pedestal. The light was made available during fair seasons only – from September to May every year.
In 1924, some enhancements were made. The light was shifted in 1939 on to a 16 metre steel trestle erected on the northern bastion of the Fort. The steel trestle can still be seen today at the Fort.
The equipment was replaced by a flashing light with 10 second character working on DA gas in 1948. This light remained in operation till the new lighthouse tower was constructed at the present location during 1975-76.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannanore_Lighthouse