A historical and anecdotal survey traces the development of coastal lighting from ancient beacons and medieval church or monastic signals to purpose-built towers and lightships, explaining illumination methods, fuels, and technical improvements. It examines institutional arrangements and records governing aids to navigation, and offers detailed case studies of notable shore and offshore lights, their construction, reconstruction, and engineering solutions. Interwoven are accounts of wrecks, rescues, and human drama associated with sea safety, supported by contemporary illustrations, plans, and models that illuminate both practical challenges and the cultural stories surrounding maritime lights.