Pictures of Brighton
About Brighton
Once a fishing village, Brighton was firmly put on the map in the 18th century by the young Prince of Wales, later to become George IV. He built Brighton's best known building - the lavish Brighton Pavilion. Architect John Nash was responsible for the Oriental style of the building which, like or loath, has been largely admired by an endless stream of visitors for over 200 years.
An air of supreme elegance pervades throughout this lovely old town, and visitors can wander through fine Regency Squares around which are set some of the finest domestic architecture in the country, for the houses here belong to a period when "style" mattered.
The oldest quarter of the town is known as The Lanes. This is made up of a myriad of narrow passages lined with fishermen's cottages from the 17th century. In the past thirty years or so, these cottages have been transformed into antique, art and craft shops, where you will always find a willing owner ready to offer a "good deal" and even if you don't wish to buy, these shops are a joy to stroll around while you quietly soak up the atmosphere of old Brighton.
This has always been a place of culture, and over the years Brighton has received many illustrious visitors and has had numerous famous people living in the town. These have included; Lawrence Olivier, Ivor Novello, Albert Finney, Oscar Wilde, Dame Flora Robson and Dame Anna Neagle. In Victorian times, Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor and celebrities Zoe Ball, Chris Ewbank and Dora Bryan still live in Brighton.
Dancing has always been popular in Brighton. In past era's grand balls took place in lavish homes. Victorian times saw a flurry of Ballrooms spring up, these existed for a number of decades. During the 20th century Brighton had a couple of famous Ballrooms, and people were able to enjoy dancing to the melodies of the day played by bands led by Billy Cotton and his band, and other well known 20th century bands led by equally famous band leaders.
Brighton has almost three miles of seafront overlooking a mainly shingle beach which acts as a magnet for visitors from both home and abroad. The views from the curve of Brighton Bay towards Newhaven and Worthing are quite spectacular. The modern Marina is filled with seacraft to rival that of Monaco! The Marina is a diverse destination, not only are there excellent harbour views, but visitors can amble amongst homes, bars, restaurants, shops, there is even a cinema and a bowling complex.
Visitors who enjoy looking at churches will be impressed with the cavernous St.Bartholomew's Church, this is one of the tallest churches in the country and features stunning architecture, carvings, beautiful stained glass, and lavish decoration. St.Helen's Church is magnificent, with parts of the building dating back over 800 years. Here you will see amazing church treasures which make the church to be a seemingly endless place of fascination.
There is good all year round entertainment in the town's theatre's. Interesting museums recall the town's seafaring history and tell of the life and times of the people who have made Brighton the splendid town we enjoy today.
Brighton is truly the Queen of the Sussex coast, well worth a romantic weekend, or a longer stay to explore both its seafaring heritage, its architecture, and the fabled Sussex coastline.
Attractions in Brighton include: The Royal Pavilion, St. Peters Church, St. Nicholas's Church, The Lanes and Royal Crescent.
