Name and Location

The Belle Tout Lighthouse is located in Eastbourne, United Kingdom.

Construction and History

The Belle Tout lighthouse was built in 1834 by Captain Samuel Bentham, a renowned engineer and architect. It has played a crucial role in navigating the English Channel for centuries.

Architecture and Materials

The tower's design is characteristic of the early 19th-century lighthouses, with a distinctive tapered shape and a lantern room at its summit. The structure stands approximately 125 feet (38 meters) tall, with a focal height of about 116 feet (35.4 meters).

Light and Navigation

Originally, the lighthouse featured a third-order Fresnel lens, which emitted a light beam that could be seen for up to 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers). The characteristic was Fl(3)W.15s, indicating a fixed white light with a period of 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse through guided tours, which provide insight into its history and operation. The surrounding landscape offers stunning views of the Eastbourne coastline and the English Channel.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the Eastbourne coastline, with the lighthouse standing sentinel over the waves. The area is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills and picturesque villages dotting the horizon.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the early 20th century, removing the need for manual operation by keepers. Today, it is no longer operational as a navigational aid, having been replaced by more modern structures in the area.

Further Information

• Wikipedia: "Belle Tout Lighthouse"
• English Heritage: "Belle Tout Lighthouse"
• National Trust: "South Downs Way"