The structure, which was completed in 1873, was most likely designed by Victorian civil engineer John Hawkshaw after he took control of Holyhead harbour works in 1857.

[3][4] This lighthouse is considered architecturally important because it forms part of the ambitious Victorian engineering works to create "harbours of refuge" throughout Great Britain.

[3] In the 19th century, packet ships approaching Holyhead in the fog would be warned by a bell operated from the lighthouse.

In the late 1870s, this was supplemented with rockets which would complement the gun fired from the fog warning station on North Stack, Anglesey.

[3] Today the upkeep of the lighthouse is the responsibility of Holyhead port authority, which is operated by Stena Line.