1 week Ago
After a large crack appeared on the cliff edge near Belle Tout lighthouse, people have been reminded of the dangers of coastal erosion. Yesterday (March 25) a large crack was spotted on the cliff edge near the lighthouse. The public have been warned to stay away from the cliff edge and to “not take risks” when walking on cliff paths.
However, this isn’t the first time the cliff near Belle Tout has been impacted and it’s unlikely it will be the last. In 1999 the Belle Tout lighthouse was moved back 17 metres from the cliff edge due to becoming at danger of falling into the sea. The lighthouse was initially built in 1832, its location carefully planned so it was visible for 20 miles out to sea.
Belle Tout preparing to be moved (Image: Alan Jones) The building has a long history of owners, including the BBC who purchased the lease to film the TV series The Life and Loves of a She-Devil. In 1996 Belle Tout was bought by Mark and Louise Roberts who intended to use the property as a family home. These plans fell into dismay as a landslip put the property in danger of falling off the cliff edge.
A decision was made to move the building, and specialist engineers began the complicated task of lifting the entire lighthouse up, putting it on to runners, and sliding it back. Works lasted seven days, battling with the elements and against the clock to ensure work was complete before any further landslip occurred. On March 17 1999 Belle Tout was successfully moved.
Pictures from The Argus’s archives show the process of moving the building. People watch as the building is slowly moved away from the cliff edge (Image: PA News Agency/Tim Ockenden) Images show the tracks created to slide the building once it was raised from the ground. Despite the move being a success, fears resurfaced in 2021 when a cliff fall wiped out a footpath near the site.
Owner of Belle Tout, David Shaw, said at the time that he had hoped the lighthouse has “a few decades” before the need to consider moving the lighthouse again. In an interview with The Argus, David said: “It is worrying that we had this big fall, worryingly close. "Different areas collapse from time to time and we did know that was a vulnerable spot.
"It is in that particular section only and that is the nature of the erosion." The crack spotted yesterday (Image: Eddie Mitchell) "If a fall was going to happen, we anticipated it would be there anyway, so it is not a total surprise. "The recent high winds and heavy rain has triggered it.
"Hopefully we've got a few decades before it is critical. "At some stage that will have to be looked at." But with a new crack having appeared near the tower, could history be repeating itself and Belle Tout will have to be moved sooner than expected? Currently the lighthouse is open to guests as a unique bed and breakfast location.
Guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the English Channel, beautiful landscape, and countryside. The venue features themed rooms which are in keeping with the building's history and is the only hotel or B&B at Beachy Head..
