History of Brighton Seafront
Explore the history of one of the UK's most famous seaside resorts.
The City of Brighton and Hove is one of the UK's most famous seaside resorts. Known for its pebbled beaches and unique landmarks, this story map provides a look into the history of this area of the city.
Below is a slider showing how the city has developed over time. Over 100 years separate these images, with the landscape changing considerably in this amount of time.
Seafront in 1910 on the left, and today, on the right.
Events that helped shape the city of Brighton and Hove over time...
1st - 2nd century AD
The Roman Empire has a presence in the area, with a villa being built in Brighton. There was also a Roman road that used to go through the city. No settlement has been found but is assumed to have existed in some capacity as artefacts have been found in the city.
1514
Only being a small fishing village at this point, the village is burned down in a war with the French.
1703
The Great Storm of 1703 causes great damage to the town.
1750
Dr Richard Russell advocates for the drinking of seawater and bathing for medicinal purposes. More doctors over the next couple of decades advise this leading to increased visitors to the town.
1922
The War Memorial in Old Steine is unveiled commemorating the residents whos lives were lost in World War One.
1961
The University of Sussex is built and established.
1984
The Grand Hotel is bombed in an assassination attempt against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet who were staying there.
1987
The Great Storm of 1987 causes great damage to the town, with gusts up to 120 mph recording in neighbouring Shoreham.
1997
The towns of Brighton and Hove are formally merged and granted city status by The Queen in 2001, and became 'The City of Brighton and Hove'.
2010
The South Downs National Park becomes fully operational.
2018
The Rampion offshore wind farm comes online lying about 13km from shore, producing 400MW of electricity.
A tour of the seafront...
Brighton and Hove is a city of immense cultural and historical value. Below are some select landmarks and attractions situated along the seafront that form part of the city's rich history.