BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT

2009-04-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 14

2007-01-12T03:21:00.000-08:00

BRIGHTON AS A UNIVERSITY CITY
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The Cockroft building was formally opened by Sir John Cockcroft O. M. on the 28th February 1966 and attracts students from all over the British Isles as well as overseas.

The original buildings were constructed in 1876 to serve as public elementary schools, and were opened by W. R. J. Cotton Lord Mayor of London on the 12th July 1876, the architect being Thomas Simpson.

They were rebuilt in 1973 and were designed by the architect Gilbert M Simpson and were opened by Herbert Hone J. P. on the 17th January 1978.

Today they are home to Brighton Technical College and are divided into two main Categories, Construction and Commercial Studies.

The building was erected in the early 1960's by Alan West Switchgear Ltd., to house their offices, it was formally opened as a polytechnic in November 1977 but is now part of the Brighton University Complex.

Built in 1970 to ease the situation in the older buildings opposite, this building now houses the Central Administration for the Technical College and the departments of Catering and Domestic Science.

The Hall House at the rear of Moulsecoomb Place is the oldest surviving building in Brighton. It was probably built between 1350 and 1400 during the reign of Edward 111.

In 1639 records show that the old cottage was seized by one Edward Culpepper. Moulsecoomb Place appears to be an early 19th Century Seven Bay House in Yellow Brick, but behind the facade is a house dating back to the 18th century. Today the house and its grounds have been taken over by Brighton University, the main house is taken up by offices used by the University Accommodation services, and much of the grounds have had student accommodation built on them.

In 1959 the architect Basil Spence was commissioned to prepare master plans for the new Campus, as well as detailed designs of the first phase of the building.

The current Campus occupies 80 hectares of Stanmer Park and is situated 4 miles from the City of Brighton, in a beautiful 18th century Park - Land setting.

In the early stages of the building Spence established a vocabulary of Arches and Vaults in Concrete and massive Piers in Soft Red Brick, but due to cutting costs this was simplified in later stages of the development, during subsequent years much has been added to the overall Campus.

Just across the main A27 there is now a substantial development called Falmer University, which has also undergone much enlargement in recent years.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 14

BRIGHTON AS A UNIVERSITY CITY

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 13

2006-12-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

THE ARCHITECTURE OF BRIGHTON'S RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES

Designed by the distinguished architect Gilbert Blount, marked the formation of a " West Brighton Missionary District " following the use of a temporary Chapel at Sillwood House in 1858.

The subsequent expansion of the mission was due to the efforts of Father George Oldham who was formerly an Anglican Curate in Hove from 1846 - 50.

Built by Amon Wilds in 1817 to house Thomas Read Kemp's own sect. The sect was unorthodox an

d its chapel was unconventional.

The East facing front was formed by a Doric Tetra - Style Portico and the interior was lit by a glass roof lantern.

It was taken over by the Church of England in 1825 and the Portico was replaced by a severe Five Bay Front with plain Pediment. In 1867 it was substantially rebuilt behind a Gothic front.

Built by R. C. Carpenter and opened in 1848, this is one of Brighton's most impressive Victorian Churches. It was commissioned by Henry Mic

hell Wagner for his son Arthur Douglas, and was perhaps his most outstanding achievement.

The church has conventional West - East orientation and the Sanct

uary faces onto West Street. The Narthex was added to the West and by Bodley in 1887 and a long passageway running along the entire South wall was built by Denman.

Unusual for a Brighton church, the walls are built from Napped Flint with Limestone Quoins. The lower Tower was to have a Stone Spire but the present Timber Spire was added by Carpenters son in 1873.

This formed a major landmark and was used by sailors as a beacon. The interior is extremely simple, the Quatrefoil Piers and plain Arches are painted White in contrast with the Black roof with its Arched Braces. When these photograph's were taken by me in 1989 the church was undergoing renovation.

Commissioned by Arthur Wagner and designed by Edmond Scott, it was based on the dimensions of Noah's Ark given in the Genesis account of the Bible.

St. Bartholomew's nave is one meter higher than that of Westminster Abbey in London and is the highest of any Parish church in the land.

The wall plate is twenty - seven meters above floor level and the ridge plate forty - two meters, the use of Marble and Chalk on the interior, are similar to Westminster Cathedral and are most impressive.

St Michael's is really two churches in one. The first was built by G. F. Bodley and opened in 1862, built in Red Brick with Sandstone coursing.
The second, an extension built in 1895. after the death of the designer William Burgess, is a fine example of 13th century Pastiche on a grand scale with soaring brick - vaulted Nave, Triforium and Clerestory.
The Stained Glass in the Western window of Bodley's original Nave, and East and West ends of the South Aisle, are the earliest examples from the firm of William Morris. The interiors of this strange looking double church are particularly interesting.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 13

THE ARCHITECTURE OF BRIGHTON'S RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES next

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 12

2006-10-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

THE ARCHITECTURE OF BRIGHTON'S RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES

St. Nicholas's stood on raised ground outside the original rectangle of the Old Town. The present buildings date from around the 14th century, though a church was recorded on this site in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Up until 1785 St. Nicholas was Brighton's only church, and in 1853 Henry Michell Wagner commissioned R. C. Carpenter to supervise restorations.

Today the Flint Tower, the Chancel Arch and the Nave Arcades, are the only parts that can be truly dated to the 14th century.

The Synagogue was the subject of a competition in 1874 and was won by Thomas Lainson.

The front is vaguely Byzantine and uses light Yellow Chichester Brick. The Window Arches are Blue and Red Tiles and openings are punctuated with Corinthian Pillars.

St Peter's on the Level was designed by Charles Barry after winning a competition in the 1820's much to the annoyance of Busby and Wilds, who had expected to get the commission from Henry Michell Wagner.

The foundation stone was laid in 1825 and the church

was consecrated in 1828. It is a large yet delicate design, with Pinnacles and Buttresses in the Perpendicular Gothic Style.

Barry regretted the absence of the spire which he originally designed to cap the tower. But in spite of this omission this is one of his most important buildings and one of the first, and finest of the Gothic

Revival Churches.

Barry used Gothic with serenity and purity, of the Classical spirit. The three sided Apsidal Chancel was replaced in 1906 by Somers Clarke.

St. George's the Martyr, Kemptown was built by Charles Busby for Thomas Read Kemp and opened in 1825.

The main body is a plain box of Yellow Brick with two tiers of windows under heavy Cornice. The West front has a pair of Ionic Columns recessed between Pilasters on either side of the entrance, and is topped by an attractive Square Tower and Cupola.

In 1830 a " Sky Parlor " was added, at this time Busby's interiors were destroyed and the Pilasters were replaced by Cast Iron Columns decorated with Acanthus Capitals.

It was one of Busby's most successful buildings and was a favorite of Queen Adelaide, unfortunately it is only one of a few Georgian churches left in Brighton.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF BRIGHTON'S RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES NEXT

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 11

2006-08-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED

This small row of cottages date back to the 1600's and are good examples of some of the earliest development in Brighton. It was built on what was originally known as a Paul piece, a sub - division of a field.

This shows the total lack of consideration by the developers of the 1960's, for the surrounding architecture and environment, as can be seen from the way the Tower Blocks in the rear of the photograph completely dominate the area.

Built in 1830 in the Regency Gothic Style. In 1855 a part of the terrace was linked to adjoining properties in Queen's Square, to become St. Mary's home for Female Penitents, an institution set up to re - habilitate reformed prostitutes by George Wagner.

This property is a fine example of this Style of Architecture which was used during the 1600's, built in 1685 it still remains much the same and shows the wide use of Flint which was abundant in this region.

The Royal York Hotel ( now municipal offices ), occupies the site of the Manor House built in 1779 and demolished in 1819.

Mr. Charles Scrase purchased a Moiety of the Manor of Brighton in 1771 and built the house. It was not a large or imposing building, just two stories high and built of Red Brick with a slate roof.

The Royal York Hotel had many fashionable visitors which included among others, Dukes of Clarence, York and Cambridge, also the Duke of Wellington, Benjamin Disraeli Earl of Beaconsfield, in his early Parliamentary days and later Thackeray.

Due to the cutbacks in the armed forces, this prominent feature of the Lewes Road has now been demolished to make way for retail and housing development, although many of the buildings on the site were in a poor state of repair, its final demise no doubt caused sadness to many of the older residents of Brighton, who would no doubt remember the days when it was the center of life for this part of Brighton.

Now even the remaining buildings on the site are boarded up, after the Army bomb squad and the Territorial's moved out, the rest of the site will no doubt be demolished eventually to make way for new development.

During the inter - war years Moulsecoomb Valley became the site for two large housing estates, North and South Moulsecoomb, and the farm buildings that originally stood there for many years were finally demolished.

The houses were described as " Fit for Hero's " by the planners of the 20's, and the estate was hailed as the " Utopia of Moulsecoomb ". They were built to accommodate the housing shortages following the 1st World War, and also to re -house those from the center slum area's of Brighton Town.

Designed by Professor Adshead, they copied in Style the Layout of the Garden Cities of Letchworth and Welwyn in HERTFORDSHIRE, during my early twenties I had the privilege of living with the family of the grandson of Ebenezer Howard one of the founder members of the Garden Cities, and it was as a result of my research for this project, that I realized why Moulsecoomb seemed somehow familiar to me.

The estates at one time were hailed as the best examples of local authority housing schemes in this country built during the 20's and 30's, and planners from all over the world studied and visited the estates.

During recent years the housing has suffered a decline, due to lack of maintenance and a severe lack of services for the residents. Attempts to alter this include the provision of a Railway Station giving a direct link to Brighton Central and the main line to London, and also a new medical center and Leisure Center, although many on the estate cannot afford to use the latter. Like many other council estates throughout the country, crime rates are high and the council are installing CCTV in an effort to reduce the problem.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 11

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED NEXT

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 10

2006-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED

The Terminus building was designed by David Moccatta. In its original form the building was a handsome Italian Villa Style, with central Arcade entrance behind Tuscan Colonnade.

In 1882 the original train sheds were replaced with the present Single Span Arched Roof design by H. E. Wallis. This is a typically elegant Victorian train shed of glass and iron with delicate Dolphin designs on the Spandrels. At the same time as Moccata's Colonnade was removed and his facade was hidden behind the ugly Porte Coteri
e which remain today.

Brighton's policy with regard the Tramway undertaking was that it should be self contained and therefore office's, shed's and workshop's were built in one place.
The Depot was built in 1901 in Coombe Terrace, Lewes Road. Some
of the original etched windows still remain to this day, and carry the Brighton Coat of Arms and the words " Brighton Corporation Tramway's ".

In 1935 some eighty cars were running and all were constructed and maintained in these workshops now the Depot for Brighton and Hove busses.

Built in 1828 and designed by Charles Barry on land donated by Thomas Read Kemp, and financed by money from private benefactors among them Lord Egremont.
The Victorian Wing was added in 1837 and designed by William Hallett. Three years later Herbert Williams designed the Adelaide Wing, in 1856 the Marquis of Bristol donated a Chapel.
Later 19th century additions were by E. E. Scott, while in the 1920's new work was designed by F. T. Cawthorn.

The site is now dominated by the Tower block, built in the early 70's and designed by Health Authorities own Architects. Since that time there have been numerous additions including The Millennium Wing, a multi - story car park and at present under construction a new Children's Wing.

Built in 1898 and designed by Clayton and Black, its original purpose was to serve as a convalescence home for patients from the French Hospital in London's Shaftsbury Avenue. I believe it has recently been sold to developers although I am not sure of its final outcome.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 10

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED NEXT

BRIGHTON & ITS DEVELOPMENT PART 9

2006-06-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED

Opened in 1964 and designed by J. H. Whichcord in the free Italianate cum French Second Empire Style.
Originally on this site stood Artillery Place, a Regency Square housing the Old West Battery House and ammunition ground, dating from 1793.
The Grand Hotel housed 150 bedrooms, it was first to have a lift and electrical installations, it was said to boast 48 kilometers, ( about 30 miles of flooring ) 5,861 cubit meters
( about 23,000 cubit feet ) of timber and 9.65 kilometers, ( about 6 miles of gas pipes.) In 1984 a bomb blast on one of the upper floors, caused several million pounds worth of damage, but fortunately it has been restored and a Victorian Style, glazed sun lounge, has been added onto the front entrance, greatly enhancing the Hotel's appearance.

The Brighton Center was designed by Russell Diplock and Associates and opened in 1977. The main conference area at 1st floor level is 40 meters by 47 meters and is spanned by ten Warren Trusses. It Has Seating For 5,000, Plus Resteraunt, Bars And A secondary hall and an Exhibition space. Alas it does not fit in well with the older sea - front buildings And The Sky-Line, This Attitude Has Contunued Down To Our Present Day.

Designed by Michael Lyelland and Associates and opened in 1987, it is planned around a central landscaped atrium at 1st floor level.There are 211 bedrooms of which a quarter have sea views, the majority of the remaining rooms look out towards the atrium. The rear of the Hotel overlooks a square formed by the Town Hall and a new office block with shops at ground floor level. A polite but uninspired addition to the seafront. Formerly called the Ramda Now Part Of The Thistle Chain Of Hotels.

The original Hotel was designed by Thomas Cooper and erected in 1829, and was the most popular in Brighton, until the opening of the Grand in 1864.

Almost all the most famous people in England and many from the Continent, stayed at the Bedford Hotel, among them Charles Dickens who was a frequent guest.

Unfortunately it was destroyed By Fire in 1964. The buildings now on the site Today are ugly, and show total disregard For the appearance of the sea - front.

On this site originally stood Russell House, built by Dr. Richard Russell in 1754 for himself, its gardens reached down to the beach. In 1750 he published a book called " A dissertation concerning the use of sea water in the diseases of the glands. " This book did much in putting both himself and Brighton firmly on the map. He lived in this house until his death in 1759. The Hotel was designed and built by Amon Henry Wilds, and consisted only of the North - East section of what now exists. In recent times it was badly damaged by fire, but thankfully builders were able to restore it to its former Glory.

The site where the Queens Hotel now stands was once occupied by an Inn called The Dolphin, demolished in 1846. Next door the famous Vapor Baths run by Sheik Mahomet, who had been Shampooing Surgeon to King George 1V. The Baths were converted into Markwell Hotel in 1869 and eventually were absorbed into the Queens Hotel.

BRIGHTON & ITS DEVELOPMENT PART 9

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED NEXT

BRIGHTON AND IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 8

2006-06-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED

The Marina was the inspiration of local garage owner and Yachtsman Henry Cohen

His original idea in 1963 was for a Harbour with 3,000 moorings, to be sited between Dukes Mound and the Madeira lift. It was to include a Heliport and Hovercraft Station as well as flats, Hotels, Restaurants, conference Halls and the like.

His scheme was met with stiff opposition and the present site was chosen following advice from the planner Sir William Holford. The project was started but never finished.

The Harbour, formed by a huge breakwater made up of 110 Caissons, each 12 meters high and weighing 600 tons. It enclosed 30 hectares of sheltered water, though now most of this has been filled in, and construction of more accommodation and additional Leisure facilities goes on apace, although with the threat of ever rising tides due to so called Global Warming, one often wonders about this wisdom behind this strategy, as they say "Time will tell! "

The first house erected on this site was built by Henry Holland in 1786 - 87, for George 1V Prince of Wales. It was a simple classical building with curved projections in the centre, fronted By Ionic Columns surmounted by Statues and with two shallower bows on each side of the central feature.

It was known as the Marine Pavilion of his Royal Highness, and this name survived all the subsequent transformations of the building. In 1801 - 3, the Prince's residence was enlarged and given its first Chinese interior. Between 1815 and 1820, John Nash gave the building its present Hindu exterior, and whilst in this process refurbished the interior, again in the Chinese style. For details of this please refer to Henry D. Robert's History of the Royal Pavilion and Clifford Musgrave's The Royal Pavilion.

The facade of the East front of the Pavilion facing the Steine is still governed by the outline of Henry Holland's Pavilion, which it replaced. The saloon in the centre has the bowed front of the Classical building and Trellised Oriental Veranda fronting it, instead of the Ionic Portico. The drawing rooms on either side each have two shallow bows of Holland's Pavilion

The Banqueting Room and the Music Room at the ends were later additions with square fronts. On this framework have been imposed Nash's Domes and Minaret's. The largest centre dome, over the Saloon, actually contains five rooms, which were originally bedrooms for members of the court entourage.

They are now used as storerooms and workshops. George 1V's own apartments were on the ground floor of the West Front. The Prince finally came to the throne in 1820. In 1830, two years before the building work was completed, he died, and never fully enjoyed his creation. He was succeeded by his brother William, who became a regular visitor during his seven-year reign, and commissioned several additions including the North Gateway.

Queen Victoria was a less frequent visitor and in 1846 sold the Pavilion to raise money to complete Buckingham Palace. The Town purchased the Pavilion for 50,000 pounds but not before its interiors had been totally stripped of decorations and furnishings. During the next century it was used as Assembly rooms, Art Gallery and even a Military Hospital during the 1st World War. The long slow process of restoration to its former glory was only begun after the 2nd World War, and now today has been completed and cost of several million pounds to achieve.

Built in 1803 - 5 and designed by William Porden, it was based on the Halle Au Ble' in Paris, its purpose was to serve as stables for the Royal Pavilion.

In 1850 the buildings were taken over by the Town and in 1867 converted into assembly rooms. In 1935 the Dome was totally reconstructed at a cost of 73,000 pounds, and was turned into a modern Concert Hall by Robert Atkinson with the capacity to hold 3,000 people.

During the last couple of years the whole area of the Dome, Corn Exchange and Library have undergone complete refurbishment, greatly improving all these amenities.

BRIGHTON AND IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 8

THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON CONTINUED NEXT

BRIGHTON & ITS DEVELOPMENT PART 7.

2006-05-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

WEST PIER 2003.

Ning Whitfield, above in front of West Pier, who takes the credit for some of these photo's, which she took whilst whilst studying at
Sussex University.

These photo's show the damage done to West Pier after the Storms in 2003

THE WEST PIER TOOK A HARD BEATING FROM THE SEA DURING THE WINTER, AND WAS STILL LEFT STANDING TO TELL THE TALE

MYSTERY SURROUNDS WEST PIER FIRES

AFTER THE GALES CAME A SERIES OF MYSTERIOUS FIRES, THE CAUSE OF WHICH HAS NOT BEEN DISCOVERED............

.............ALL ANYONE COULD DO WAS LOOK ON FROM A DISTANCE DUE TO INACCESSIBILITY AND THE INTENSE HEAT......................

A HELICOPTER ALSO CAME TO TAKE A LOOK............

FIREMAN USED A TUG AS A PLATFORM TO TRY AND COOL THE STRUCTURE DOWN, BUT THERE WAS LITTLE THEY COULD DO........

.......ALTHOUGH THE FIRE CREWS WERE QUICK ON THE SCENE, THEY COULD ONLY JOIN THE PUBLIC WHO STOOD ON THE BEACH........

.............AND THE PROMENADE, SOME IN TEARS AT THE SITE AND SHEER HOPELESSNESS OF THE SITUATION............

..........HOLIDAY MAKERS STAND ON AND ALONG-SIDE THE BRIGHTON PIER AND OBSERVE THE FIRE AS THE COASTGUARD PASSES OVERHEAD.

AS CAN BE SEEN FROM THESE PHOTOGRAPHS............

..............THE FIRES WERE EXTREMELY FEROCIOUS............

...........AN AERIAL SHOT SHOWS THE EXTREMITY OF ONE OF THE FIRES ............

..........THE PROBLEM WAS MADE WORSE BY THE DRY WEATHER AND , FLAMES FANNED BY HIGH WINDS........

....... THE HUGH AMOUNT OF SMOKE COULD BE SEEN FOR SEVERAL MILES........

.............AS THE STRUCTURE WAS MOSTLY CONSTRUCTED OF TIMBER, THERE WAS LITTLE HOPE OF MUCH REMAINING............

.........ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO CLEAR EVIDENCE, IT IS THOUGHT THAT ARSON MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OR A STRAY FIREWORK FROM A BEACH DISPLAY COULD HAVE STARTED ONE OF THE FIRES.

A FIRE ENGINE STANDS HELPLESSLY BY AS THE PIER BURNS............

..............THIS SHOT SHOWS THE INTENSITY OF THE FLAMES AND JUST HOW QUICKLY THE FIRE SPREAD............

...........A SPOKESWOMAN FOR THE PIER TRUST SAYS THAT MANY OF THE PRECIOUS MOLDINGS HAD BEEN COPIED IN DETAIL IN PREPARATION FOR THE RESTORATION............

.......THUS MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO RECREATE MANY OF THE ORIGINAL FEATURES........

......THIS AERIAL SHOT SHOWS THE TOTAL DEVASTATION WREAKED BY THE FIRE........

.....SHORTLY AFTER THIS PHOTOGRAPH THE WEST PIER SIGN DISAPPEARED. ALL WE CAN DO NOW IS WAIT TO SEE WHETHER THE TRUST CAN RAISE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO COMPLETE WHAT MANY FEEL IS AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK, AND ONE THAT SHOULD NOT BE UNDERTAKEN...........

......... ALTHOUGH THE TRUST ASSURED US RESTORATION WORK WOULD SOON BEGIN!
THE FIRES WERE OBVIOUSLY A BIG SETBACK, AND IT IS NOW THOUGHT UNLIKELY THE TASK OF REBUILDING WILL GO AHEAD AS PLANNED.

ONLY TIME WILL TELL!

HOPES HAVE BEEN RAISED AGAIN WITH REGARDS RE-BUILDING OF THE PIER, WITH A LARGE WHEEL LIKE THE LONDON EYE AT THE ENTRANCE. PLANS ARE NOW BEING DRAWN UP TO REBUILD THE PIER COMPLETE WITH THEATRE, AS MOLDINGS WERE TAKEN OF THE ORIGINAL FEATURES IT IS HOPED THAT THESE WILL BE USED TO RE-CAPTURE THE ORIGINAL LOOK.

BRIGHTON & ITS DEVELOPMENT PART 7.

WEST PIER 2003. NEXT

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 6

2006-05-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

PALACE PIER 2003

DUE TO A SERIOUS FIRE JUST BEFORE 19.00 HRS TUESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2003 THE PALACE PIER AND THE SURROUNDING PROPERTIES WERE EVACUATED . TEN FIRE APPLIANCES WERE IN ATTENDANCE.PICTURES BELOW.

BELOW PALACE PIER FIRE 19.00 HRS TUESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2003

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, ALTHOUGH IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAULT, THE FIRE WAS BOUGHT UNDER CONTROL BY 19.30 APPROXIMATELY ON TUESDAY EVENING, BY A TEAM OF FIFTY FIREFIGHTERS. THE LIFEBOAT WAS ALSO CALLED TO THE SCENE NOT ONLY FOR THE SAFETY OF FIRE OFFICERS, BUT ALSO TO ASSIST IN DIRECTING THE FIREMAN ABOVE.

THE FOLLOWING DAY AN INSPECTION WAS MADE TO DISCOVER THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. ALTHOUGH THE GHOST TRAIN WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED IN THE FIRE, AND SEVERAL NEARBY RIDES SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE, THE MAIN STRUCTURE APPEARS TO BE SOUND.

IT COULD NOT HAVE COME AT A WORST TIME, SO CLOSE ON THE HEELS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE WEST PIER RECENTLY DUE TO STORMS.

WORK WAS STARTED ALMOST AT ONCE ON CLEARING THE DEBRIS, THE HELTER-SKELTER RIDE HAS HAD TO BE DEMOLISHED AND PLANS ARE UNDERWAY FOR RESTORATION, THE TOTAL REPAIR BILL HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT A MILLION POUNDS.

IN RECENT DAYS THE PIER HAS SUFFERED A SETBACK DUE TO LOCAL PLANNERS, THE OWNERS THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO INSTALL TWO COMPLETELY NEW LARGE RIDES, BUT PLANNING HAS BEEN REFUSED, AS IT WAS FELT THE RIDES WOULD RESTRICT ACCESS AND OVERWHELM THE END OF THE PIER, AFTER ALL IT IS A GRADE TWO LISTED STRUCTURE.

west pier

SO IT'S BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AT PRESENT!

THE PALACE PIER HAS NOW BEEN RENAMED "BRIGHTON PIER" AS IS SHOWN OPPOSITE, NEW RIDES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE FAR END WHICH CONTINUE TO DRAW HUGE CROWDS, ALL YEAR ROUND, FROM HOME AND ABROAD, SO WHY NOT PLAN TO MAKE A VISIT.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 6

PALACE PIER 2003 NEXT

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 5

2006-04-18T07:46:00.000-07:00
A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON

Much was owed to the Wagner family by early Brighton, as a family they were responsible for building eleven churches along with many houses costing as little as one hundred and fifty pounds, this fact is verified by the cutting opposite from the Evening Argus.

Middle Street was one of the original main streets running from South to North, in what was the Old Town within the borders of North, West and East Streets and the cliff edge.

Completed around 1818 facing the sea this was the last square within the Borough of Brighton. Many of the houses have been spoilt by injudicious alterations. The best group is that forming the North - East corner.

Until the beginning of the 19th century Western Road, named after the Western family of Preston Manor, was little more that a track running through the fields in outlying Farmland.

As Brighton expanded, small crofts were gradually developed into small Streets and Squares. During the 1810's and 20's the land between the sea and Western Road, was built up and from 1924 it became the main route to Brunswick town.

Had Robert Stephenson's " Natural Line " scheme for the London to Brighton railway been adopted, Brighton Station would have been built behind Brunswick Square, and the importance of Western Road would have been enhanced.
From the 1820's development spread Northwards from Western Road, which became the main shopping centre. In 1871 and 1901 it extended into Hove with the onset of various developments there.Had Robert Stephenson's " Natural Line " scheme for the London to Brighton railway been adopted, Brighton Station would have been built behind Brunswick Square, and the importance of Western Road would have been enhanced.

Designed by Russell Diplock Associates in the 1960's. Exposed aggregate concrete finished, mosaic covered access towers, and blue shaded panels to aluminium curtain walling were all designed with great care and concern.
Despite this, the piazzas lacked a proper sense of enclosure, and were subject throughout to drafts in blustery conditions creating somewhat of a wind tunnel effect, the final demise of this structure although missed by some, was seen as a great revival of this important shopping area in Brighton. Its replacement is a welcoming enclosed, air conditioned Shopping Mall, visited by thousands of eager shoppers each day.

Begun in 1798 and completed in 1807 by a Mr. J. B. Otto a West Indian speculator. This was the first ever group of houses planned as one architectural composition and was an audacious concept for its time, as well as being today one of the most attractive features of the sea - front, the houses have charming classical doorways, ironwork balconies and bonnet - like canopies, and being faced with black iridescent, glazed " mathematical " tiles that create such a delightful effect in the changing lights of the sky.

Built between 1825 - 1828 and designed by Wilds & Busby on similar lines to London's St. James or Bloomsbury.

It was designed to be a self-contained unit and service buildings were erected at the same time. These included a market, which is now part of the Old Market Arts Centre, and supporting Streets such as Waterloo, Upper and Lower Market Street as well as East and West Brunswick Street.

Here was a Town Hall and Jail, besides the Market, at 42 Brunswick Terrace a Hotel was created called the Brunswick Hotel and now known as the Alexander Hotel.

Dating from 1825 this was the most impressive development of its kind surpassing even Regent's Park terraces in originality of layout.

The houses were originally three stories high with an attic, and the facades were quite plain except for Corinthian Pilasters on one house in every Three.

The whole composition derives its impressiveness from its vast scale and noble proportions; the span of the Crescent is 256 meters (840 feet.) That is 61 meters (200 feet.) larger than the Royal Crescent at Bath in Somerset.
Designed and built as a whole, the design is more elaborate than that of Lewes Crescent; the houses have free - standing Corinthian Porticoes of four Columns in the centre of the Terrace, and Porticoes of Engaged Columns at the ends and in between.

The house at the East end of the Terrace, now called Arundel House, was originally the Bush Hotel and was occupied by 1827 but much of Sussex Square and Lewes Crescent were just facades. The houses were mere skeletons and were not completed until about 1850, andthe interiors were then constructed according to the wishes of the various occupants, and constructed by different builders.

Built by Busby and Wilds around 1825, to a contemporary design, an interesting little Street but of rather cramped proportions.

The Old Steine was originally used as pasture and a drying ground for the fishermen's nets, as it was unsuitable for building due to an underground stream known as the Wellsbourne.
In 1750 it became popular as a promenade to the cliffs, which were windy and often unsafe. In 1786 the Prince of Wales built his Farmhouse, which fronted the Steine and eventually was transformed into the Royal Pavilion.
The Fountain at the centre was established in 1846, and was placed there by Amon Henry Wilds. Today the Old Steine is

a giant traffic island, although there have been various plans to try to change this, as with so many things, " much talk but little action!"

Originally opened on the 10th of August 1872, and designed by Eugenius Birch. The buildings extended for a distance of a third of a mile from the Western end, and were sunk deep into the ground. A broad flight of granite steps led down into a large open court, surrounded by red - brick arches with terracotta columns, and ornamental presenting, it was said " The appearance of a Pompeian court ".
Inside were a large entrance hall, two corridors, one 68 meters (224 feet) long, both lined with large tanks, a central hall, having a 33 and a half meter (110 feet) long Tank, a conservatory, a reading room and a Restaurant.

The main halls had a Gothic roof of Variegated bricks supported on alternating round and octagonal columns of Bath stone, polished green Serpentine Marble and red Edinburgh granite, and the Capitals carved with foliage, (and appropriate marine foliage by Mr. Purkiss.)

By 1909 the Aquarium boasted the finest marine collection in Europe, and from this time till the end of the First World War the Aquarium knew some of its most successful years. In 1930 the Aquarium was reconstructed, although much of the interior remained unchanged, this reconstruction did much to improve the seafront and was the work of the Borough Surveyor David Edwards and his staff.

William Lambert erected much of the wall of the Promenade in the 1830’s; due to lack of funds in 1832 work was suspended. It was decided that the paupers be employed to carry out the work at the rate of ten shillings (fifty pence) per. square foot = 929.03 square centimetres, the work lasted up until 1833.

Building was started in 1891 and was completed three years later, it was an instant success, in 1901 a Theatre was added at the end of the Pier, and nine years later a Pavilion for concerts and dances was built near the shore end.

A bandstand and a winter - garden were erected, the Theatre was re - modelled, and over its entrance was built one of the first film - making studios in the country.

The present entrance canopy and clock tower were erected when the road - way was widened and the Aquarium was
rebuilt in 1930.

Designed By Eugebius Birch And Built By The Brighton West Pier Company in 1863 - 66 at a cost of 30, 000 pounds, it was constructed from cast and wrought iron, mild steel was used in the extension in 1893 making its total length 335 metres. In 1903 up to 600,000 visitors had passed through its turnstiles, but like many other piers, it had its share of miss fortunes.

In 1886 " The Times " reported panic among the promenader's when the structure oscillated under the action of wind and sea, and as a result, its popularity declined for some time.

In 1896 a storm destroyed the Chain Pier and debris from that caused serious damage to the shore end of the West Pier. During the Second World War, the Pier was covered with sand bags and anti - aircraft guns and suffered some minor damage.
The Pier was later purchased by a private company for 100,000 pounds and was used to shoot the film " Oh What A Lovely War " soon after this it was condemned as unsafe and the sea end was closed in 1971.

The shore end was finally closed in 1975 and although the West Pier Trust tried to start restoration works, and for a time allowed visitors access by means of a newly constructed walkway, recent storms have caused considerable damage, so that by the end of the year 2002 its future hung very much in the balance. It has now been decided that due to the cost of restoration it will probably have to be completely demolished, much to the disappointment of many.

Opposite a newspaper cutting from happier days on the West Pier when thousands would flock to see the likes of Mr. Doughty, described as the oldest living actor and clown who performed with his dogs in his 91st year, distinguished as he was for his appearance before Royalty.
Another regular was Professor Powsey, seen opposite performing a daring stunt of riding his bicycle off the roof of the West Pier; I doubt very much that such antics will ever be seen again!

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 5
A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BRIGHTON NEXT

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 4.

2006-03-21T03:43:00.000-08:00
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

Development of the European rail network during the Edwardian Period, tempted away many of Brighton's wealthier visitors to the warmer French and Italian Resorts, and the larger and more sophisticated spa's of Europe. With the decline in the winter letting many houses were turned into family Hotels and Guest houses catering for short stay summer visitors.

At the turn of the century, the population stood at around 120,000, but the growth rate was dropping steadily. After 1896, large areas of down land outside the Town boundaries were bought up by the Corporation, to protect water supplies and limit development.

During the next 30 years, some 5,000 hectares were purchased and Brighton became a major agricultural land owner. Between the wars, much building was carried out on the cheap down land, which only became suitable for development by the arrival of motor buses, which could cope with the long distance from central Brighton and the many steep hills.

Due to low interest rates, a partnership was formed by the local building society and local builders, to promote large scale developments. The center was grossly overcrowded and much of the housing was in a terrible state, and many people dreamt of moving to the suburbs

The Corporation also added to this suburban development by building some of the earliest council housing in the country at Moulsecoomb, with intention of moving people out of the center slums. However due to the high rents, and transportation cost, those most in need found it impossible to afford the move.

Much of the coastline between Brighton and Eastbourne was also developed, giving birth to the new dormitories of Peacehaven and Saltdene. In 1928 the boundaries of Brighton were extended to include Rottingdean and Patcham, and the Town's area increased from 1,100 hectares to 5,000 hectares.

In order to make way for the greater traffic demands, much of central Brighton was demolished to widen the streets. Western Road, West Street and North Street , were all redeveloped with shops, offices and banks, but this did little to enhance the architectural quality of the area.

Since the war years, Brighton has done little to attract new visitors, in the developing new facilities, or even to conserve the existing ones. The Marina Project, was hoped to act as a springboard for new leisure industry, but due to its failure, much of it has now been filled in and developed for housing and shops, and with the addition of recent amenities Bowling, Multiplex Cinema, Public houses and Supermarket now seems to have realized some measure of the success that was originally hoped for.

The West Pier has been closed for many years and the wrangling still goes on over its future, and although sections had been removed due to corrosion and storm damage, the weather of Christmas 2002 has seen great destruction to the Remaining structure, so it looks like its future hangs precariously in the balance. The Palace Pier by contrast is now a vibrant amusement arcade and draws large numbers of visitors each year. The only outdoor swimming pool in Brighton, which was situated at Black Rock has long been demolished and although there has been much talk about a replacement , that's all its been talk!

Most Hotels now depend on the conference trade due to excellent conference facilities and its proximity to London, Gatwick Airport, and the Continent. Apart from this, its claim as a major resort has long since gone, although a free pop concert on the beach during the summer of 2002 attracted an estimated crowd of 250,000.

In the 1960's Sussex University was built at Stanmer, and the subsequent development of Brighton Polytechnic, now called Brighton University, and Falmer College, have given the City a new role as a center for Education and this attracts many thousands of overseas students every year. During the summer months the facilities are used by English Language schools and many thousands attend every year. During the past several years each of these sites have been extensively enlarged, to cope with the ever increasing demand for University places.

Previous attempts to redevelop parts of the City center have not been very successful. The Churchill Square complex was a cold windswept environment and did not fit in with the surrounding areas. This has now been completely demolished and we now have a totally new air-conditioned shopping Mall that attracts many thousands of shoppers from the surrounding areas every week, although parking and getting around Brighton still pose a big problem, even with the implementation of park and ride schemes. Many other of the developments erected at the same time as the old Churchill Square complex, such as high rise flats, were built with little, if any, thought given to the surrounding environment.

Failure to provide new , or improved existing housing stock has led to bad housing and increased homelessness, and the scarcity of suitable housing in every sector has made Brighton one of the most expensive Cities outside of London in which to buy or rent a home.

Developments during the last 40 years, have done nothing to add to the charms of Brighton, and several precious things have been lost. Today while there is much that should cause concern :- poor facilities, congested traffic, bad housing, Brighton still remains a uniquely attractive City, set in beautiful physical surroundings, and possesses a priceless architectural heritage.

But why take my word for it ? There is much worth visiting the City of Brighton for, so come and see for yourself, enjoy the delights of a stroll around the Lanes, visit the Royal Pavilion, spend a day shopping or just relax on the beach, I'm sure you'll find a visit well worth the effort!

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 4.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY NEXT

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 3

2006-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00
18TH CENTURY REVIVAL

Early in the 18th century, sea - bathing became a fashionable pastime, and this enabled Brighton to develop a new role as a health resort. It took over the role and ritual of inland spa's, like Bath, and adapted them to the seaside, adding novelties like the newly invented bathing machine.

Brighton's first recorded sea - bathing visitors came during the 1730's when the Town was much cheaper than inland spa's, such as Tunbridge Wells. Dr. Richard Russell of Lewes, was a passionate advocate of the power of spa and sea water.

After 1750 he sent patients to a house at the front of the Steine, owned by himself ( now the site of the Albion Hotel ) he further established his reputation, and that of Brighton, by writing a book on the use of seawater to treat various illnesses. He also encouraged Lewes businessman to invest in Brighton's development as a sea resort.

Accessibility was an important factor in Brighton's development as a resort. It was the nearest coastal Town to London and lay On what, after 1760, became a popular route to the continent. After 1750 road transport improved considerably and the journey from London took about five hours.

Proximity to Lewes and Tunbridge Wells, both centers for Sussex society, played an important part during the early years, when most of Brighton's visitors were drawn from the surrounding region.

Between 1750 and 1780, the number of visitors increased and there was much investment in the new facilities such as Lodging houses, Libraries, Bathing machines and Theatres.

After 1780 growth was spectacular, development spilled over into farmland to the North and East of the Town close to the Steine, which had become a popular promenade. Much of the new development followed the divisions of the old field system. The Old Town became the business center for the new suburban residential areas.

When George Prince of Wales, first came to Brighton in 1783, it was by then the most fashionable seaside resort, and as he liked it so much, he decided to establish his seaside home overlooking the Steine in 1784, and this set the seal on Brighton's popularity, and inspired four decades of frenzied development.

The threat of invasion during the Napoleonic wars, bought large numbers of troops to Brighton, and this paradoxically, added to the attraction of a visit. Jane Austin's heroine Laddie Bennet, thought a visit to Brighton " comprised every possibility of earthly happiness ", and advised her sisters ; " go to Brighton, that's the place to get husbands!"

This period of rapid growth witnessed an overflowing of architectural inventiveness. Famous architects, such as Holland, Pordon and Nash helped build the Prince Regent's pavilion ( FIG 31 AND 32. ) and the prime constituents of Brighton's Regency Style. However it was a local trio, of Charles Busby, Amon Wilds and his son Amon Henry Wilds, whose work had the most impact on Brighton, both in terms of quality and vigor of their designs.

By 1820 the Town had spread from Royal Crescent in the East, to Bedford Square in the West, and the population in forty years had risen from 3,500 to 25,000. At that time the seasonal visitors numbered about 10,000 from all walks of life.

Increasingly large family groups, with servants, would arrive and expect to entertain lavishly in their own homes. The facilities could just not cope, particularly for the larger houses. During the 1820's developers sought to establish self - contained suburbs at Kemptown, in the East, and Brunswick Town in the West. Neither was wholly successful as a spectacular venture, but both made their mark on Brighton's seafront.

The developers also built new churches and assembly rooms, and created competition with the Old Town. The older housing near the center became less popular, and much of it was converted into boarding houses and single room lodgings.

During the 1830's growth fell sharply, this was due in part to the competition from other resorts, and in part to economic recession.

The Town faced unemployment, bankruptcy, and poor return on housing investment. Concern over the future prompted great interest in a proposed rail link with London, and after much debate, a line was opened in 1841. This opening coincided with an economic revival, and heralded a period of great prosperity and growth in the town.

After 1840, many medium sized terrace houses were built as well as large detached villas. during the decade the population rose from 45,000 to 65,000. The Regency Style persisted into the 1850's when it was gradually replaced by Victorian preoccupations.

From 1841, Brighton became a popular resort for short holidays from London. It attracted wealthy long stay visitors during the winter months, and short stay visitors during the summer, more and more chose to commute to and from London daily, while middle class families sought retirement homes in the new suburbs.

By 1850, due to high demand, their was a shortage of suitable building land for the new development. As a result, rents rose quickly with far reaching consequences for the community, which was largely dependant on rented accommodation.

The working class and unemployed were the hardest hit, and many slums developed in the older parts of town. Brighton was hemmed in by one private agricultural holding, which belonged to William Stanford, and stretched from the seafront West of Brunswick, to the Ditchling Road.

In 1853 the estate passed to Stanford's daughter, but only after her marriage in 1867 was the land released for development. In 1854 Brighton was incorporated as a Borough, but Brunswick Town and areas to the West, successfully resisted inclusion, thus the foundation for the separate Town of Hove.

The Borough of Brighton had an area of 1,100 Hectares and a population of 65,000. New resort attractions, such as West Pier, the Aquarium, Palace Pier, various Public Baths and the large seafront Hotels, were all built in Brighton, while Hove resisted tourist development, preferring to keep its image of a low density residential town.

Before 1854 both Towns were run by the church and commissioners, and it was not until incorporation in 1854, that the municipal improvements were put into effect. By then proper sewage was long over due, the beaches were polluted, and uncontrolled activities by factories and abattoirs, posed a serious health problem.

The growing population required ever increasing supplies of potable water, and new pumping stations were needed to supply the Town from down land aquifers.

The release of Stanford land, allowed development in Hove To the West of Brunswick Town during the 1870's, and a grid of wide avenues and rather portentous Victorian villas and terraces grew up between the railway and the sea. Meanwhile, Brighton was growing Northwards on Stanford land around Preston, and soon both Preston and Patcham villages, were caught up in a ribbon of development.

The late Victorian developments were architecturally less distinguished than those of earlier decades of the century, but the Town did experience an enormous spate of church building to very high standards.

During the 25 years after the Railway in 1841, the number of Anglican churches rose from 14 to 27. Brighton vicars, Henry Michell Wagner, and his son Arthur Douglas, between them commissioned and financed no less than eleven churches, employing such noted architects as Carpenter and Bodley.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 3.
18TH CENTURY REVIVAL NEXT

THE EARLY DAY'S CONTINUED

2006-02-19T13:14:00.000-08:00
BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 2.

It was during this time that the layout of the streets, which today form the Old Town, became established within the square contained by North Street, West Street, East Street and the cliff front.

Between 1550 and 1640, the Town's population soared from around 1,000 to 4,000, causing the infilling of existing streets to cope with the high demand for Housing.
These streets cover an area of some 25 Hectares, and were the limit of the urban development until the end of the 18th century. Within this square the main streets, Middle Ship and Black Lion all ran from South to North, containing between them substantial areas of open space.

The Parish church of St. Nicholas,stood alone on a low hill to the Northwest of Town. During the 1640's, fifty boats sailed every year to partake in the Yarmouth Herring fisheries. Due to falling catches and constant attack's from Dutch and French Naval vessels, the industry came under serious threat.
Brighton was also suffering serious erosion, and many boats were moved to Shoreham. The Decline was very rapid in the 1680's, only thirty boats 1697 only four boats sailed to Yarmouth.

To combat this, Brighton tried to develop a major role in coastal trading, but cargo boats needed small crews, and the fleet was too small to absorb all the work force, even though it was the biggest fleet on the South coast. Eventually, this industry failed due to strong competition from the East coast, and as unemployment continued to rise, many people moved away to London, and some joined the Royal Navy.

By 1700, Brighton was in a very bad way, coastal erosion forced the market place to be moved to a site in Black Lion Street, close to where the Ramada Hotel now stands Attempts to stop this erosion by means of groins failed, due to lack of funds mainly.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 2..NEXT

INTRODUCTION TO BRIGHTON EAST SUSSEX U.K.

2006-02-13T23:01:00.000-08:00
BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 1.

At the start of the 16th century the upper town was on a low cliff to the west of the Stein and consisted of three main street's, arranged around three side of the Hempshares, a rectangular space facing the sea.
A market place stood at the cliff's edge, and buildings nearby formed the start of Ship Street and Black Lion Street, ( FIG. 1 & 2.) there were cliff paths down to the unique broad beach, which had a collection of cottages, and narrow wooden net houses, Herring house and Capstans, which were used to haul the boats out of the sea and onto the beach.

The rest of the Parish consisted of farmlands which surrounded the town, the land was divided into five fields known as 'laines' which were sub - divided into strips called 'Paul pieces'.

When Brighton spread outside the town boundaries, land was sold off in strips to Developers, and the layout of the field system came to be imprinted on the street pattern of modern Brighton.
The old track ways through the fields became the main streets, such as Edward and St. James's Street, ( FIG3 & 4 ), and houses were built along the strips.

As deep sea fishing became more important, during the 10th century, the Town's population increased. This was a period of rapid population growth, as many people migrated to the Town's like Brighton in search of employment, as demand for accommodation grew, so existing property owners, built new cottages on vacant land within the Town.

During the reign of Elizabeth the 1st, Brighton's importance as a fishing Town grew considerably. Brighton's fishermen specialized in Herring, fleets of boats sailed around the East coast during September and October. They were also coastal traders, sailing to Newcastle with the profits from their fishing, to buy coal which they sold along the South coast.

BRIGHTON & IT'S DEVELOPMENT PART 1. NEXT