BattlefieldsArmada Beacon — Beachy Head Sussex 1588
Tudor

Armada Beacon — Beachy Head Sussex 1588

1588
Sussex, England
Also known as: Beachy Head Armada beacon 1588 · Sussex beacon chain Beachy Head 1588
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Spain (Armada)
Forces
Sussex militia alerted to positions
VS
Victor
England
Forces
Beacon keeper and watch
Outcome
Beachy Head beacon fired relaying the Armada alarm along the Sussex coast; signal passed both west to Hastings and east along the Downs towards Kent
The Battle

History & Significance

Beachy Head, the highest chalk headland on the south coast of England, was one of the most prominent beacon sites in the Armada warning chain. Its elevated position allowed it to relay signals both along the Sussex coast and inland to the beacon network covering the Sussex Downs. The firing of the Beachy Head beacon in 1588 was among the most dramatic moments in the famous relay that spread the alarm from the Lizard to London.

Casualties & Losses

None

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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