Brighton
Brighton, situated on the coast, was founded in the 10th century and started life as a rather poor fishing village called Brighthelmstone. Its turning point came when a certain Dr Richard Russell developed in 1753, a method of treating diseases with seawater. This encouraged the first visitors to Brighton, which subsequently expanded to serve the ever-increasing number of visitors. The town's popularity was boosted when the Prince of Wales, the later George IV, built a summer retreat there in 1783, helping Brighton to become a fashionable and sophisticated vacation resort that was reflected in its increasingly lavish architecture.
The first decade of the 19th century saw the development of some stunning architecture such as the Royal Crescent, the first series of houses to be built facing the sea, Bedford Square, Russell Square and Cannon Place. The 1920s witnessed the development of what was is known today as the Regency Brighton., most notably centred around Kemp town, named after Thomas Read Kemp, one of the joint Lords of the Manor. The estate consists of some splendid facades that open up into large squares. Apart from its regency heritage, Brighton is rich in Victorian architecture, manifested especially in a number of churches such as St Bartholomew's whose nave is higher than that of London's Westminster Abbey.
Dominating Brighton now as it did in the 19th century is the famous Royal Pavilion. Designed in 1822 by the great architect John Nash for the King himself, its architecture blends Gothic and Indian styles as is demonstrated by its scalloped arches, onion domes, and sculptures of serpents and dragons. Inside, its elaborate décor and furniture and stunning chandeliers, offers the visitor a unique insight into the architectural eccentricity of the mid Victorian age. The Pavilion was acquired by the town in 1847 after Queen Victoria decided to give it up.
In addition to its wonderful architecture Brighton has a vast array of attractions for visitors of all ages and as such has remained a very popular resort. It has a colourful array of traditional and quaint shops, most notably those in Dukes Lane, inns and old cobbled streets. In the late 19th century Brighton's coastline was joined by several piers, the biggest one of which was the Palace Pier. Built in 1899 in a classical ornate Victorian design, it hosts various entertainments, particularly for children that ha helped it retain its appeal for today's generations.
One of the great features of Brighton is that it manages to satisfy all tastes, blending the peaceful and exclusive with the lively and popular. Being only a couple of hours from London by road or train, Brighton makes for a wonderful break by the seaside.
More Historical Sites to visit in Sussex:
- Fishbourne Roman Palace
- Arundel
- Arundel Castle
- Battle & Battle Abbey
- Goodwood
- Bodiam & Bodiam Castle
- Hastings
- Hastings Castle
- Rye
- Waverley Abbey