Royal Sovereign lighthouse at Eastbourne is a lighthouse marking the Royal Sovereign shoal. Its distinctive shape is easily recognised as it comprises a large platform supported by a single pillar rising out of the water.
The lighthouse replaced a light vessel which protected the Royal Sovereign Shoal since 1875. Originally, the platform was manned, accommodation being contained in the 'cabin section', a practice which ceased in 1994 when the light was automated.
Automation is provided by Vodafone in the form of a 475MHz radio link to Trinity House.
Famous quotes containing the words royal, sovereign and/or lighthouse:
“Oh, I know my family’s not of royal blood, but you needn’t throw it in my face all the time.”
—Robert N. Lee. Rowland V. Lee. Queen Elyzabeth (sic)
“The obligation of subjects to the sovereign is understood to last as long, and no longer, than the power lasteth by which he is able to protect them.”
—Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)
“This lighthouse was the cynosure of all eyes.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)