I was born in Brighton, and lived in Hove (actually!) until I was 13, and have always loved the old and varied architectural styles of the buildings to be found there. Look at this variety:
The building above is St Aubyn’s Mansions which was the scene of some embarrassment for its residents and the Brighton and Hove Commemorative Plaques Panel. A plaque was added to the building to commemorate a celebrated singer, Dame Clara Butt, who lived in the Mansions between 1903 and 1906. Unfortunately, a second plaque had to be made because the first one bore an incorrect date of birth, ageing Dame Clara by 24 years. Just as well she wasn’t around to see it!
This building proudly sports two blue plaques, the second commemorating Vesta Tilley (Lady de Frece), a Music Hall Artist who also lived there.
This building was the old Hove Fire Station where our family lived when we were kids.
Today I thought I’d take a wander round part of my old stomping ground and along the seafront from Brighton to Hove.
Obviously a lot has changed in the years since we moved away, and I’m not a fan of many of the modern buildings that have appeared, but the old places that remain still have an air of grandeur.
It’s not just the old hotels and residential buildings which are interesting.
These are just a few of the wonderful old buildings I saw today, which I hope will remain standing proudly for many years to come.
Photographs copyright Ann Ritchie Photograph
