© Jason Twist/ApexJason Twist's photo of a bolt of lightning striking the ancient chapel lighthouse in Ilfracombe, Devon
The dome of the grade I-listed building suffered three shattered glass panels and its electrics were frazzled by the surging charge on Friday night.
However, the damage was only minor and the chapel's navigation light was quickly replaced and switched back on.
The extraordinary scene was captured by local resident Jason Twist, who said: "The storm was very impressive, so I grabbed my camera and started snapping.
"My house overlooks the harbour so I was in the right place at the right time."
The chapel is run by the Rotary Club of Ilfracombe and the automated navigation light is looked after by the town's harbourmaster.
Lighthouse keeper John Davey lived in the tiny chapel for nearly 40 years in the mid 19th Century and raised a family of 14 children.
The Rotary Club restored it in the 1960s and created a small chancel which is occasionally used for services.
Rotarian Ann Doody said: "The storm was spectacular but the damage could have been so much worse,"
"The light was fixed by an electrician and although we still have to replace some the sockets, we've been able to reopen to the public."
I have to give the photographer, Mr. Jason Twist, more credit for his unfuckitable photography skills! That lightning bolt itself is huge and to manage to catch it as it strikes is something I know I would never be able to do. My picture would be various shades of black so don't lessen the talent you possess. Was the lightning bolt striking the building for a long time and was the clap of thunder every bit as big as the bolt?