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Records show that by the early 14th century, Brighton had grown in importance as a centre for fishing, with a daily fish market set up by the seafront. The Brighton area began to experience coastal erosion, losing valuable farmland to the sea. The bulwark, a tower erected adjacent to the town in 1497, was Brighton’s first fortification. The town’s wooden structures, which included most of Brighton’s buildings, were burned to the ground by the French in 1514. Rebuilding commenced a number of years later, and by 1558 a circular-shaped fort, called the blockhouse, stood at the southern end of town, protecting from further invasion with its large guns and cannon. Brighton’s fortunes improved in 1750 however, when Dr Richard Russell, who lived in nearby Lewes, published a book about the benefits of seawater on health. Visitors began to come to the coast and in 1783, the Prince of Wales arrived, bringing a number of his friends. The popularity of the town and its ‘healing waters’ developed rapidly, and by 1787 the famous Royal Pavilion was built. In the mid-19th century, the West Pier was built, followed by the Palace Pier, in 1899. WWI saw the Pavilion used as a hospital; and in WWII, a number of Brighton’s historic structures housed schoolchildren, who were evacuated from London due to the risks associated with bombing raids. Its success today can be attributed to its broad appeal to a variety of visitors, including those drawn by its superb dining choices and upmarket shopping options; those brought in by the many conferences that are held here; and those who appreciate the opportunity to experience the old town’s bohemian atmosphere. There’s a vitality here that comes from the hordes of English-holidaymakers enjoying their time by the sea, the thousands of foreign students taking language courses, the thousands of other students at university here and a thriving gay community, adding its own sense of energy and style. | |
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