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Beacon Mill

Also known as Rottingdean Windmill and based on Beacon Hill which lies to the west of the narrow valley containing the village of Rottingdean. Built in 1802 on the site of a former post mill it remained in use until closure in 1881. After a number of years of neglect it was restored by the Marques of Abergavenny in 1905 then leased to a preservation society in 1923. Brighton corporation took over wonership six years later and restored it again 1935 with further repairs carried out in 1966, 75 and 88. The windmill was reputed to have been used to aid smugglers with the windmill's sails set in a certain position to advise those out at sea whether it was safe or not to land their contraband. Taken from Marine Drive, the A259, as it exits a cutting allowing for the ground level view across Rottingdean Pitch and Putt golf course with the tee marker providing the only colour on grey and snowy day.