Ulverston's Sir John Barrow monument is one of Cumbria's most prominent and distinctive landmarks.

Its design is considered to be somewhat iconic as it is built from the success of British Civil Engineer John Smeaton's Eddystone Lighthouse.

His engineering prowess meant that the Eddystone Lighthouse outlasted the two previous structures at its dangerous location on rocks just off the coast of Plymouth.

Ulverston's 100ft tall statute overlooking the town from Hoad Hill was built as its official replica in 1851.

Constructed in memory of Sir John Barrow, his two sons, George and John Barrow, laid the foundation stone at a ceremony held on May 15, 1850 and it was fully completed in January 1851.

The monument is often referred to however as the 'lighthouse without a light' as its design features give the viewer the expectation that a light should be placed on top. 

The Grade II listed building shares the characteristics of other lighthouses, such as being painted a bright colour in the hopes it could be identified by mariners.

Lighthouses also take into account the curvature of the earth, and with the Sir John Barrow monument being elevated 450ft on Hoad Hill's summit, you would think a light at the top would sit nicely above above MHW (mean high water).

The Mail: Despite these expectations however, the Sir John Barrow monument has never had a light. 

Senior lighthouse keeper, Graham Scrogham has explained why: "The monument was built by public subscription with Trinity House donating £100 towards its construction.

"As a stipulation, they insisted that it be used as a lighthouse if needed. 

"In reality however, the monument is too far from the coast and is also too high up, a light is likely to be obscured cloud cover.

"It does indeed have a lantern chamber inside however. 

"It wasn't actually open to the public until 1854 as it was considered to be too dangerous - there were no handrails for the sides of the 112 steps leading up. 

"Nowadays, we light the building up externally with LEDs for special occasions however sadly, the Sir John Barrow monument has never been, and will likely never be, a working lighthouse."

Original plans for the structure show a room in the basement of the monument which is intended for accommodation for the lighthouse keeper - an official position that has been continuously maintained.

For all intent and purposes therefore, the Hoad monument is not just a superficial replica of a lighthouse, but is in fact, a lighthouse without a light.