Looking back at the history of some of Brighton’s most iconic buildings
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantBrighton captures a lot of what characterises true British
spirt. Its quintessential nature embodies many important English traits, such
as our love for a sharp sea breeze and a stiff upper lip. Not sure about the
latter? Well, did you know that the original Brighton town was burned down in 1514 by the
French. The inhabitants responded by quickly
rebuilding their little town right there. When the French came back to burn the
remade Brighton in 1545, the people fought back and drove the French away.
Brighton was battered by an intense
storm in 1703, and the town took a further hit by another storm in 1705 that
ruined many houses. All the while, the sea was eroding the shore of Brighton
town
However, Brighton
thrived against all odds and it even captured the interest of royalty! Naturally, the buildings in Brighton have some stories to tell about
the town’s exciting history, and some have served different purposes along the
way as Brighton battled through its hardships.
The Old Ship
This traditional Brighton hotel is
not short of history, royal appreciation, and musicians. The site has been used
as a hotel since Tudor times, with the first recorded
accommodation here named the ‘Shippe Inn’. It became the ‘Old
Ship Inn’ in 1650, after another hotel opened across
the street called the ‘New Ship Inn’.
The venue was gradually extended as
its owners bought the homes next to it, back when it wasn’t as close to the
shoreline as it currently is. The storm of 1703 destroyed 13 buildings at the
end of the street and brought the sea much closer to the Old Ship. With sea views
and a visit from the fashionable Prince of Wales, Prince George (who would
later become King George IV), the Old Ship built a great reputation. So much so
that its ballroom later came to host the famous violinist, Niccolò Paganini —
the ballroom has even been renamed in his honour.
However, not all of
the original features of the current building were built for the purpose of
hospitality. Underneath the building is a series of tunnels from the beach,
under the hotel, all the way into town and further. These tunnels were
originally built for smuggling but are now used as wine cellars and for private
dining functions.
The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is
one of the most striking buildings in the area, and it has served many
different purposes throughout its life and has so many stories to tell. Originally, the Pavilion was built at the behest of
then-Prince of Wales, Prince George. Architect Henry Holland was hired to
transform the Prince’s Brighton home into a villa. The villa was later built
upon further by John Nash to create the Royal Pavilion. It is a lavish,
extravagant building that adopts a number of different styles, primarily that
of Chinese and Asian origin.
The original building hosted
royalty, along with a string of their social events and
entertainment for many years. But this came to an end with Queen Victoria, who
chose to sell the Royal Pavilion to Brighton. Though the interiors were
initially removed, the palace was redecorated for use by the public. The Queen
later returned many of the original items of the palace to be reinstalled.
The Royal
Pavilion has been used for fetes, shows, balls, exhibitions, and more, serving
as the People’s Palace. Then, during the First World War, its purpose was
changed once again to that of a hospital for Indian soldiers.
Now, the Royal
Pavilion serves members of the public daily, with tours of the aggrandised
royal rooms, local events, a tearoom, and more.
St Augustine’s Centre
Originally built in 1896 with a religious purpose in mind,
as the name suggests, St. Augustine’s Centre is a prominent feature of the city.
The building was an Anglican church but had been left derelict since 2003.
Though it is listed as a Grade II building, nothing was really done with it
until 2013, when a new project started up in order to renew St Augustine’s
church with a new lease of life.
Following a major renovation project,
the site serves the public as a centre for wellbeing, arts, and spiritual
sectors. The centre hosts exhibitions, conferences, meetings, and even sports
clubs and massage and treatment rooms. From flower arrangement classes to Kung
Fu, dance classes to meditation spaces, the centre really does cater for
everyone.
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Created on Feb 7th 2020 05:06. Viewed 422 times.