insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 05 - July 2015 | Page 57

Brighton Pier History in Brief Brighton has had over 40 names in its long history, the first of which – Bristelmestune – was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. Although there is some debate about its meaning, the most likely derivation is from Beorthelm tun, which means the homestead of Beorthelm. The word Brighton as we know and love it today wasn’t seen until 1660, and was used as a shortened version of the name. It soon stuck, and eventually no one remembered the long name anymore anyway. It was somewhere between 3500 and 2700BC when the first settlement in Brighton was created, and since then there has been a steady stream of people making their home here. Archaeologists have found burial mounds and tools dating from various eras throughout history including the Neolithic Age and Bronze Age. The Romans were also particularly fond of the area, building a number of villas there from the first century AD. Although in a fantastic position for fishing and ship building, this also meant that Brighton was open and vulnerable to attack. Many times it was sacked and all but destroyed, causing it to build itself up again. By 1730, Brighton was a shell of its earlier self, and it was a place to avoid if possible, with the population standing at around 2,000. Thankfully, the fad for bathing in the sea to cure tuberculosis caught on at around this time, and Brighton benefitted; by 1770 it was definitely the place to be and be seen. Things to Do you’ve visited. Here you will be able to travel back in time to the Jurassic period and learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the land – feed a plesiosaurus if you dare! You will also be treated to a huge array of weird and wonderful – and sometimes dangerous and beautiful – creatures, have the opportunity to touch a starfish, and even find out what it’s like in the rainforest. It’s a full and fun packed day for the whole family. The Royal Pavilion Royal Pavilion - This former royal palace and once a hospital for the ‘limbless men’ of WWI, the exotic and remarkable Royal Pavilion at Brighton is now a fascinating museum in which you can see the flamboyant interior design tastes of King George IV in the banqueting room, great hall, bedrooms, salon, and much more besides. There are also temporary exhibitions and displays held here, and there is always something extraordinary to see. Brighton Beach - It isn’t possible to visit Brighton without strolling on or near to the beach. As beaches go, this is up there with the best in the UK, with a host of cafés and bars to enjoy whilst you are there. Brighton has been voted one of the top 10 places to visit for a weekend break, and its beautiful beach is part of the reason for that. Sea Life Centre - The Sea Life Centre is open every day, and is right next to the famous pier, so you’ll be able to continue your fun even after 57 Theatre Royal - When in Brighton, why not catch a show at the iconic and celebrated Theatre Royal? There is always something exciting to see, from musicals to dancing to plays. The theatre itself opened in 1807 (its first show was Hamlet), and generations of visitors and locals have been entertained there ever since. Devil’s Dyke - Devil’s Dyke is located just five miles outside of Brighton on the stunning South Downs, and if you are able to visit whilst in the area, you certainly should. This is the longest, deepest, and widest dry valley in the UK, and is estimated to be as much as 10,000 years old. The Lanes - The lanes, encompassing the ‘North Lanes’ and ‘South Lanes’ of Brighton, are a wonderful maze of narrow streets, overflowing with an eclectic array of shops offering e