Erith Reach from Coldharbour Point to Jenningtree Point

1817: Sailing Directions -

ERITH REACH lies about S. by W. and N. by E. In this reach are two shoals, with only 6 or 7 feet on them; the first begins off Jenning Tree Point, and extends more than one-third over the river, opposite Rainham Creek. The mark for going clear is, Barking Church within a sail's breadth of Dagenham Breach Point, until Rainham Church comes within a ship's length of Rainham Ferry House, bearing N.E. by E.; then continue your course S. ¼ W. down the middle of the river, observing that the best water is on the Kentish shore, and hauling westward, bring a remarkable elm tree in one with Baven Wharf, which is a little below Erith, bearing south; the mark will carry you through the rest of the reach, clear of the shoals lying off Cold Harbour Point. These shoals extend nearly half way over the river, and have only 4 or 5 feet water at low ebbs.

You may anchor in Erith Hole any where between the church and the town, in 3, 4, or 5 fathoms. With the church bearing W. S. W. there is good anchorage in 4 fathoms.

When you are in Erith Hole, or off Erith Church, and bound upwards, you should proceed with the objects before mentioned, until Rainham Church comes on with Rainham Ferry House; then steer with this mark on, until you draw near to the north shore, and have passed Jenning Tree Point. When you have brought Barking Church within a sail's breadth of Dagenham Breach House, you may steer for Halfway Reach.

Coldharbour Point

RIGHT (north) bank point marking the transition into Erith Reach and the more or less 90 degree turn from Erith Rands
Coldharbour Light by Mike Millichamp -

Coldharbour Point Lighthouse

Erith Reach lies between Rainham Creek and the Coldharbour Point where the river takes a turn into Erith Rands. At Coldharbour Point on the Essex bank is lighthouse No. 3 at 17 miles from London Bridge. This lonely lighthouse, again identical to Margaret Ness and Cross Ness, and similarly secured, is situated on the shoreline by the vast landfill site.
It was established in 1885 and today at 38 feet high shows a light visible for 3 miles.