Standing at the entrance to Ilfracombe  Harbour is Lantern Hill. In 1320, a chapel was built here dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. A light has been kept here ever since to guide ships into the Harbour and it is reputed to be the oldest working light in the country. The Chapel is now listed Grade I and has also been used as a dwelling house, laundry room, and museum and it is said that it was used as a refuge for women and children when the town was under attack. A detailed history of the Chapel can be found via the ‘Additional links’ section on the right of this page.