The story of the pointless Sunderland lighthouse which was a mile inland and never lit up

It’s the Sunderland lighthouse which was never lit up - until the very day it was knocked down.

Today, we tell the story of the Wheatsheaf Lighthouse which dominated the Wearside skyline.

It lasted until 1970 when its demolition was planned - but then a fire put it right back in the spotlight.

These photos, plucked from the Sunderland Echo archives, as well as from Sunderland Antiquarian Society and Google Maps, aim to bring that story to life.

13. Finally lit up

To get a better view, they lit up the building - the first time it had been illuminated despite plans for just that to happen 100 years earlier. | se

We wonder how many people drive past the scene without realising the intriguing history behind it. | Google Maps

All you will find of it today is a small grassed area - but the memories live on. | Google Maps