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
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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