Historial Tree


Neolithic 2700 BC				The earliest settlement is the Neolithic encampment on Whitehawk Hill. Coldean, in the north of the city, has a Bronze Age settlement and in the third and second centuries BC Hollingbury Castle Camp is established. Read more...

Early History AD 270				The Romans come to Sussex but leave little evidence of occupation. The Saxons establish a settlement where Pool Valley and the Old Steine are today. The Domesday Book (1086) indicates that the population of Brighton is around 400 and that the fishing industry is well established. Read more...

Medieval				The town of Bristelmestune (Brighton) is awarded a charter by Edward II in 1313. The village grows into a substantial town and the Parish Church of St Nicholas is built. Hove is first mentioned in historical records in 1288. Read more...

Tudors and Stuarts				Brighton is raided by the French and is almost completely destroyed by fire. By the 1640s Brighton has 4000 inhabitants and becomes nationally significant in 1651 when King Charles II stays in the town before escaping to France. From 1651 the town goes into decline. Read more...

Georgian				Brighton is destroyed by the great storms of 1703 and 1705 and by the middle of the eighteenth century has a population of just 2000. Dr Richard Russell arrives in 1750 and his seawater cure starts the town's renaissance. The Prince Regent first visits in 1783. Read more...

The Regency				Between 1800 and 1830 Brighton becomes fashionable with royalty, the aristocracy and the beau monde of the day. Many of the city's famous squares and crescents are built and the Royal Pavilion is transformed into an extravagant palace. Read more...

Victorian				Queen Victoria decides she doesn't like Brighton and sells the Royal Pavilion to the town. Major landmarks are built (Palace Pier, West Pier, the aquarium, the Clock Tower) and the London to Brighton Railway opens in 1841. Read more...

Edwardian				Districts outside central Brighton and parts of Hove are developed by the Stanford family. Preston Manor becomes Stanford family home. Read more...

Brighton Rock 30 & 40s				Brighton developes a seedy underbelly that is described by Graham Green in his famous novel Brighton Rock published in 1938. Cinemas such as the Regents, Savoy, Astoria, Odeon and Essoldo become popular and outlying housing estates are built. Read more...

Quadrophenia 60s				Brighton becomes a gathering place for Mods and Rockers who clash at the 'Battle of Brighton' 17-18 May 1964. Brighton is a popular holiday resort and epitomises the traditional English seaside. Read more...

End of the 20th Century				Brighton becomes an international conference centre when the Brighton Centre opens in 1977. By the early 90s the town has started to reinvent itself as a 'city by the sea' and Brighton and Hove officially merge when they are made one local authority. Massive investment transforms the seafront and many of the two towns' landmarks. Read more...

21st Century City				Brighton and Hove successfully bids to become a city in 2000. In 2001 the new city launches its bid to become European Capital of culture. In 2002 many of the major developments are completed providing a new Brighton Dome and a revitalised Brighton Marina. Read more...