The Low Lighthouse was built in 1818 to replace the previously wooden ones from the late 17th Century, over 200 years ago. This lighthouse was built the same time as the High Lighthouse a few hundred yards away. The Low Lighthouse was purchased by the Harwich Corporation under the understanding that it would be returned to the Trinity House if it was needed for navigational reasons. In 1970 it was converted into a pilot signal station by Trinity House. Since 1980 it became known as the Maritime Museum.