Chain Pier
The Chain Pier was 350 yards long and thirteen feet wide. It was basically a bridge between the cliff wall and four towers. The towers were made of huge slabs of cast iron. They were held out of the water, … Continued
Brighton News Story – 5 July 1790: Expected Prince doesn’t arrive
The Prince we hear was expected at his Pavilion at Brighton, on Saturday evening; but his Royal Highness was not arrived there last night, when this paper went to press. From The Sussex Weekly Advertiser, 1790
Brighton News Story – 4 July 1796: Preparations made for Prince and Princess’ arrival
The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected at Brighton the latter end of this week: the necessary preperations have been made at the Marine Pavilion for the reception of their Royal Highnesses. From The Sussex Weekly Advertiser, 1796
The Reconstruction of a Saxon Man’s Face
To the right is the face of a man who lived in Brighton 1,400 years ago. Caroline Wilkinson, a facial reconstruction specialist at the Unit of Art in Medicine at Manchester University, has been able to recreate the man’s features by examining … Continued
Murder in the Royal Pavilion: Peter James’ new novel, Not Dead Yet
Last month, multi-million selling writer Peter James published his latest thriller Not Dead Yet, the eighth in the popular crime series featuring the charismatic and complex Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. All the Roy Grace novels are set in Brighton and … Continued
Brighton News Story – 1 July, 1811: A rush to finish new Pavilion buildings
The utmost activity is exerted by the workmen engaged in the completion of the riding house, and buildings contiguous to the Pavilion, soon to be the scene of elegant festivity, by the celebration of the Birthday of its illustrious owner. … Continued
Bathing Costumes
The first sea bathers in the 17th and 18th centuries would probably have swum naked. These bathers were people who had a morning dip prescribed by their doctors as a cure for ill health – it was not until well into the 19th … Continued
Brighton News Story – 30 June, 1794: “The fire was so fierce that it melted the bottles…”
Yesterday se’nnight a fire broke out in the Prince’s Suttling Booth at Brighton Camp which in a short time consumed the same and everything it contained. The fire was so fierce that it melted the bottles and other vessels of … Continued
Brighton News Story – 29 June, 1795: The people of Brighton congratulate the Prince on his marriage
From the inhabitants of the Borough of Brighthelmstone: “To his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. May it please your Royal Highness. We, the Chief Magistrates and other Inhabitants of the ancient Borough of Lewes, beg leave to present our … Continued
Sudanese Collection
Ancient Nubia is a Roman name denoting the area extending from the southern area of modern Egypt into the northern part of modern Sudan, roughly from Aswanto Khartoum. Brighton & Hove Museums’ collections hold objects from Ancient Nubia from excavations … Continued
Repairing the Finial to the William IV Gatehouse
The historic buildings on the Royal Pavilion Estate are checked on a regular basis. The finial to William IV Gate was found to be moving out of the vertical by 75mm. This meant that high winds could cause failure and … Continued
Brighton’s Carnival Capers of 1922
Ninety years ago, on 24 June 1922, Brighton initiated its first carnival. It was the inspiration of Captain Arthur Applin who regarded the festivities as an opportunity to bring prosperity to Brighton at a time when the resort was experiencing … Continued
Brighton News Story — 20 June, 1791: Pavilion cleaned for the Princess
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton was left last week cleaning and airing from which it is expected, that the Princess of Wales will soon honour it with her residence. From The Sussex Weekly Advertiser, 20 June, 1791
The Royal Stables and Riding House
It’s difficult to imagine Brighton without the Royal Pavilion, its most iconic building. But there was a time in the 1840s – when Queen Victoria chose not to retain it as her seaside residence – that its future was in real doubt. … Continued
The First Waterproof Wig!
The First Waterproof Wig! Here’s a puzzler for you. It’s possible to get your hair wet – yet still keep it dry – while in the briny for a lovely lazy-daisy dip. How? It’s simple. Buy yourself a “pompadour” wig-style … Continued
World Stories: Young Voices – My Experience, Becky
Meet the young people who have been involved in developing the new World Stories: Young Voices Gallery which opens at Brighton Museum and Art gallery on 23 June 2012. Q. Who are you and how did you get involved? A. My name is … Continued
Brighton Come the Revolution
When the Revolution hits Brighton there will be no more estate agents, no more luxury holiday flats, and homelessness will be a thing of the past. Empty lots will become free adventure playgrounds, the seafront’s amusement arcades will be bulldozed and … Continued
Olympic Display
References to the Olympics seem to be everywhere at the moment, some cropping up in the unlikeliest places! Searching recently for an exhibition catalogue from the 1950s, I discovered details of an Olympic Games Philatelic Exhibition held here at Brighton … Continued
World Stories: Young Voices – My Experience, Anna
Meet the young people who have been involved in developing the new World Stories: Young Voices Gallery which opens at Brighton Museum and Art gallery on 23 June 2012. Q. Who are you and how did you get involved? A. My name is … Continued
