Sandwell Gate and Old Pier Lighthouse, Hartlepool, County Durham, c1955-c1980. A view of the Old Pier Lighthouse, on Pilot Pier, seen through Sandwell Gate north of the pier. Sandwell Gate is part of Hartlepool's town fortifications, which front onto Commissioners' Harbour. The structure dates to the early 14th century and the wall reaches between 4-6 metres high and is 2-3 metres thick. Sandwell gate has a pointed arch on the seaward side, flanked by buttresses resembling triangular cut-waters, and has a shallow arch on the land-facing side. The pier is a 1813 rebuilding of the original c1473 pier, and the lighthouse is situated at the far end. It has a square wooden tower with balcony at the top and a cylindrical lamp.