Although there was a settlement and large Roman Villa here in Roman times
it was only in the 19th century, when seawater bathing was declared "beneficial",
that the town expanded. It was designed "by gentlemen for gentlemen"
and it is only in recent years that the local council has allowed more modern
developments - to attract younger tourists and residents.
About a million visitors a year come here to walk on Beachy Head, which
is the 575ft high cliff, which forms the end of the chalk hills known as
the South Downs. These chalk downlands stretch for 80 miles to Winchester
in the west. They have wonderful springy turf and an abundance of unusual
plants. Grazing sheep keep down foliage that would swamp these tiny plants.
The town nestles to the east of the Downs and is sheltered from the prevailing
westerly wind by them.
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The (now unmanned) lighthouse was built in 1902. Seen here at high tide.
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During January 1999 there was a massive cliff fall here and the chalk has made a causeway out towards the lighthouse. Seen here at low tide.
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There is another older lighthouse (Belle Tout) on top of the cliff nearby which was moved in Spring 1999 from the cliff edge to a safer site slightly inland. It was never any use as a lighthouse due to fog but was probably a signaling point for smugglers. It is now a guest house.
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There is a hotel and an interesting (seasonal) visitor centre at the top of Beachy Head. |
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This area is also a major bird migration route and attracts many birdwatchers
in Spring and Autumn.
as part of AIRBORNE WEEK.
| Eastbourne |
