As his project documenting the UK’s lighthouses continues, Ben Langworthy reaches a lightless tower in Cumbria.

This 100-foot-tall tower stands on Hoad Hill, just outside Ulverston in Cumbria, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape to anyone willing to climb the 112 steps to the top. Completed in 1851, the monument was designed to resemble the famous Smeaton’s Tower in Plymouth, and was built to commemorate the locally born Sir John Barrow. Barrow is perhaps best remembered as one of the founding members of the Royal Geographic Society.

Despite its looks, the Sir John Barrow Monument, also known locally as the Hoad Monument, is not and in fact has never been a lighthouse. It was intended to be — the original plans even show accommodations in its basement for a lighthouse keeper.

The tower was paid for mostly by public subscription and by donations. One such sizable donation came from Trinity House (the body reponsible for the majority of England’s lighthouses) who stipulated that they would only make the donation if the monument never exhibited a light.

Nevertheless, a keeper has been employed ever since the tower’s completion — though rather than tending the light, their role has been one of custodian of this iconic building, and guide to its many visitors.