Crayford Ness
LEFT (south) bank point marking the transition from Long Reach into Erith Rands. The river turns from northwest to just south of west, heading straight towards Erith.
Purfleet Experimental Lighthouse, 1828
Crayford Ness Light
Crayford Ness Light, by Mike Millichamp -
Crayford Ness Lighthouse
Virtually opposite on the bend of Erith Rands and Long Reach on the Kent bank is Crayford Ness,
at 18 miles from London Bridge and established in the 1950s as a stone
tower. It is situated on the land side of the flood defence barrier on the edge of an isolated
and run down industrial estate that mainly serves a car-breaking yard.
The lighthouse was moved 165 feet to its current location in 1981 as part of the overall
arrangements for the construction of the Greater London Council Thames Flood defences.
The old familiar red metal structure (identical to the old Northfleet Upper light,
also demolished) which replaced the stone tower in 1967 was demolished and the light now
sits in a rather unattractive corrugated iron shed mounted midway on the Port of London
Authority radar tower. This grey painted 74 feet high metal tower is connected by a
walkway to another similar tower, but twice the size, which acts as a radio communication tower.
The light is visible for 3 miles.
Erith Yacht club was founded in 1900 after a decision had been made to move the Corinthian Yacht Club
to Port Victoria on the Isle of Grain as river traffic had increased.
The Club continued to occupy the site to the west of Erith, along what is now Corinthian Manor Way,
until 1930 when it moved to its current location.
When EYC moved in 1930 it purchased the ketch-rigged barge Garson, launched in 1864,
for use as the Clubhouse. This started an 80-year association with vessels
as the Club's headquarters, ending in May 2010.
As part of the development of the club, a prominent member, Michael Robinson,
became interested in the old workboats of the Hamble. These 14ft carvel dinghies were being broken up,
and so a number were brought to Erith.
The Hamble Star became a stalwart of the club for teaching youth members how to sail,
and for the long distant trips in Holland and up the East Coast.
As dinghy design and youth tastes change,
the boats are now looked after by a dedicated band to ensure their survival.