THE GREAT TOTHAM BEACON
Beacons were the technology for the widespread transmission of a warning. The Elizabethans built a chain of them as signals across Southern England to warn of the arrival of the Spanish Armada. One of these was located at Beacon Hill, Great Totham, one of the highest points in Essex. The beacon network was revived in 1988 by Bruno Peek OBE to mark special events. The modern copy of the Beacon was erected there in 1988 by Maldon District Council and is owned and maintained by Great Totham Parish Council.
Lighting dates:
19 July 1988 – 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada
8 May 1995 – Fiftieth anniversary of VE-Day.
31 December 1999 – To mark the turn of the millennium,
31 December 2000 – To burn through the year end.
3 June 2002 – The Queen’s Golden Jubilee
21 October 2005 – 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar
4 June 2012 – The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
8 May 2015 – 70th Anniversary of VE Day
21 April 2016 – The Queen’s 90th Birthday
11 November 2018 – Battles Over, a Nation’s Tribute
2 June 2022 – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
6 June 2024 – D-Day 80, Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy 8 May 2025 – 80th Anniversary of VE Day