New Exhibition Shines Light on Eastbourne Landmarks
18th October 2022
Buildings and institutions that guard Eastbourne’s coastline come under the spotlight at a new exhibition that has opened.
Guiding Lights and Guarding the Coast is a temporary exhibition on at The Beachy Head Story.
Visitors will be able to explore the objects and stories hidden within the buildings and institutions protecting the town’s coast including the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse and the Crowlink Coastguard Cottages.
The Royal Sovereign Lighthouse sits almost seven miles off the Eastbourne coast and was operational from 1971 until March this year.
Originally manned by three full-time keepers who lived on the distinctive landmark, the lighthouse comprises a large platform supported by a large pillar rising out of the water.
The lighthouse will eventually be removed but artefacts from the time it was operational and photographs recording its construction are on display at the exhibition.
Also showcased at the exhibition are objects and stories relating to the Coastguard Cottages, on the clifftop at Crowlink.
The inhabitants of the cottages were responsible for watching over the bay, combating smuggling, carrying out salvaging and lifesaving duties during the world wars, and guarding against invasion. The cottages have since been disappeared due to cliff erosion.
“The Royal Sovereign Lighthouse can be seen from the seafront on a clear day and the exhibition will bring to life a place which most people have only seen from afar.
“People can find out how and why it was built and also uncover the history and story of the Crowlink Coastguard Cottages, which are an equally captivating part of our landscape.”
The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm (closes 4pm from November) until 2nd December at the Beachy Head Story, Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne. Admission is free.
The Beachy Head Story also features a range of family friendly events this half term including the chance to make Sea Monster Snot and Sea Urchin Pom Poms in drop in workshops suitable for ages 5+ on 25 and 27 October.
Two interactive and fun story sessions suitable for ages 6 to 10 will also run, starting with ‘The Downs Beneath My Feet’ on 24 October which will reveal what lies under the grassy hills of our downland and why fossils turn up on Eastbourne beaches. On 30 October ‘The Skies Above My Eyes’ story session will reveal what is beyond our atmosphere, looking at how the Earth and Moon are related and mapping out some constellations. All workshops cost £2.50.
For more information visit https://www.beachyheadstory.com.
