The people of Brighton and Hove were deeply shocked by the loss of ‘Titanic’ and a number of benefit concerts were held to provide aid for the widows and their children of those who had drowned. Billy Boardman, famous showman … Continued
John Harry Preston was born in Cheltenham on February 19, 1860, the son of John Preston, a solicitor’s clerk. He began his career as a teacher in London but later became a clerk in an East Indian merchant’s office. It … Continued
‘Professor’ Charles Zeidler died in Brighton in June 1937. Known as the ‘man of laughter’, he had entertained the public in Brighton for twenty years. He stood outside ‘Laughterland’, the hall of mirrors, on Brighton’s Palace Pier and laughed. He … Continued
The famous magician and escapologist, Harry Houdini (real name Erik Weisz) was born on 24th March, 1874. He died 31st October, 1926. To mark the occasion of his death we have an article from the Brighton & Hove Society describing Houdini’s performances … Continued
In 1899 Hove Council approved plans for St. Aubyns Mansions submitted by developer Lainson & Sons. The plans showed eight luxury residential flats each stretching from the front to the back of the building. It was intended to be but … Continued
Zippo’s Circus arrives in Brighton on the 18 August but Victorian Brightonians would have been entertained by an equally famous circus troupe run by the Ginnett family. John Ginnett was born in 1826 in Lea, Essex, son of a Frenchman, … Continued
With the opening of the ice rink at the Royal Pavilion in November, it may come as a surprise to many to learn that the first ice rink in Brighton opened in 1897. The rink was in Middle Street but … Continued
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