The original Belle Tout lighthouse, on the next headland, was built in 1832. Over the years, erosion of the cliff reduced its effectiveness and in the late 1800s Trinity House decided that a new lighthouse should be built at the base of the Beachy Head cliffs. This lighthouse was completed and began operating in 1902.
The tower is made from granite and did not always have the red and white stripes. It was originally granite colour, then a black stripe was added and then finally it was painted red and white to make it more prominent as a day mark.
The Beachy Head lighthouse was electrified in 1920 and was completely automated in 1983.
Link Beachy Head Lighthouse History Resource by Rob Wassell
In 2011, Trinity House announced that the Beachy Head Lighthouse would no longer be repainted but that it will be allowed to slowly fade to its original light grey granite colour. The news that this world-famous and iconic lighthouse would lose its unmistakable red and white livery has caused some controversy (Link Beachy Head Lighthouse Campaign “Save Our Stripes”).
Had the flapper sign been in place at the time (thus blanking out the view of the Seven Sisters), it might have been more obvious that the 'Beachy Head' referred to in the lower sign was also for the 'pub and restaurant' and not that other well-known 'stepping-off'' point.