Belle Toute is also spelt 'Belle Tout' and sometimes 'Bell
Tout', and even 'Bell Toot'.
It is pronounced 'Bell Toot'.
It is often believed that the origin is French, as in
'Belle' for 'Beautiful' and 'Tout' for 'All' or 'Toute'
for 'All', 'Whole', 'Everything'.
However, as far as well can tell the origin is Saxon.
Derived from 'Bel', the name of an early pagan deity,
Bael, and
'Toot' for 'Lookout'.
Belle Toute is the name of the elevated promontory
upon which the current lighthouse stands and from which
its name is taken.
There is evidence of ancient neolithic sites with
bronze and iron age settlements and the earthworks and
barrows are still visible today.
Bournemouth University have carried out a very
interesting research study into the neolithic and beaker
enclosures at Beachy Head and Belle Toute.
For more information, please visit their website:
http://csweb.bournemouth.ac.uk/belletout/
Your photos and experiences
We want to create the most
comprehensive library about the lighthouse and the
surrounding area that we can although we need your help
to do it.
If you could send in your pictures
or send in your words we
will add this information to our archive and the
website.
|
