We have quite a few books about Sussex and, specifically, Brighton, my home town. Lindsey recently gave me a couple of antiquarian books from the early 19th century to add to the collection.
It’s fascinating to read how Brighton developed after its early years as Brighthelmstone, and the arrival of the Prince Regent and his friends, which caused the small fishing village to grow. The Prince Regent first visited in 1783 and made his home in Brighton for 40 years. His life in Brighton was relaxed and a marked contrast to the court of his father, King George III.
The latest books in our collection were published in 1822, 1833 and 1809 respectively. Each book charts the changes in the “metropolis”. As Attree writes in his Topography of Brighton it “contains a detailed description of the town, from the earliest up to the present period”. This book contains detailed maps and plans of Brighton as it was in 1809.
Next is The Sussex Tourist published in 1822 which comprises “historical and topographical delineations; together with descriptions of the residences of the nobility and gentry”.
The final book in this latest haul is John Bruce’s History of Brighton, published in 1833. This small book is full of maps and plates, and is fascinating as it describes the changes Brighton is undergoing. The Royal Pavilion has been built and Brighton is truly launched as a place of pleasure. The plate of Kemptown is especially fascinating, as it is a part of Brighton I know well.
