The Ports, Harbours, Watering-places and Picturesque Scenery of Great Britain Vol. 2Finden, W. (William)
History
The Ports, Harbours, Watering-places and Picturesque Scenery of Great Britain Vol. 2
Finden, W. (William)
Coasts -- Great Britain -- Pictorial works; Great Britain -- Pictorial works
About 1750, Brighton, which was then recovering from the depressed state
in which it had been for upwards of a century, began to be visited
during the summer as a bathing-place. In 1782, the Duke of Cumberland,
brother to George III., when residing at Brighton, received a visit from
the Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV., and his royal highness was
so much pleased with the place, that he determined to build for himself
a marine residence there. The Pavilion was accordingly commenced in
1784; but from the alterations and additions which the royal owner was
almost constantly making, it would be difficult to say when it was
finished. On the decease of George IV., the Pavilion became the property
of his successor, William IV., from whom it has descended to her present
Majesty, who, disapproving of it as a marine residence, it was allowed
to fall into decay, and was ultimately purchased from the crown by the
corporation for upwards of £50,000. It is now open to the public for a
small fee, and the larger rooms are occasionally used for balls,
concerts, and public meetings. The grounds are at all times available as
promenades; and, whatever the architect may say of its merits, there can
be no doubt that the edifice adds one to the many attractions of
Brighton, and forms a favourite lounge for the visitors in weather which
will not permit of recreation in the open air.
The Chain Pier is within a few minutes' walk of the Pavilion: it is
constructed upon the suspension principle; the chains are supported by
four pairs of towers, placed at a distance of nearly two hundred feet
apart. It terminates in a circular platform furnished with an awning and
seats, for the convenience of those who are desirous of inhaling the
invigorating breeze from so advantageous a position; commanding, as it
does, not only a prospect of the entire bay, but also an excellent view
of the town. The expense of its erection was about £30,000; but it has,
on several occasions, suffered from tempests, to which its great length
and exposed position render it at all times peculiarly liable, yet the
public spirit and liberality of the inhabitants have on each occasion
speedily repaired the damage.
There is, perhaps, not another watering-place in the kingdom which can
exhibit so imposing a front to the ocean. For an extent of nearly three
miles Brighton displays a continuous line of handsome buildings,
interspersed with squares, crescents, and terraces--all commanding views
of the sea. The district of Kemp Town, at the eastern extremity of this
line, deserves especial notice. Many of its mansions comprise all the
luxuries and conveniences of the metropolis, with the sanitary
advantages of marine villas; leaving nothing to be desired by the most
fastidious taste, and affording accommodation for large establishments
conducted upon a scale befitting the highest ranks of our aristocracy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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