Maclear's Beacon. This beacon was built as a triangulation station in December 1844 by Sir Thomas Maclear (1794-1879) in his survey for the verification and extension of the Abbe de la Caille's arc of meridian. It was restored to commemorate the centenary on 14 July 1979 of Maclear's death. As Astronomer at the Royal Observatory he initiated the geodetic survey of South Africa.