admirable arrangements, gives direct charitable assistance; encourages
the poor to make deposits, which are returned to them in winter in useful
articles, with the amount increased by a premium; and prevents mendicity
by having an office, 108, Church street, where beggars may be referred
and have their cases examined into. The Society has the town divided
into districts, for the purpose of visiting and inquiring into cases of
distress. The Benevolent Loan Fund, at the same office, grants pecuniary
assistance to those who, by misfortune, require temporary aid;
re-payments being arranged by easy instalments, and not subjecting the
borrowers to the usury of trading money-lenders.
The Brighton and Sussex Mutual Provident Society, Prince Albert Street,
commenced its operations in January, 1847. Its rules and tables provide
weekly allowances and medical aid in sickness; sums at death; endowments;
and immediate and deferred annuities; it is the only local institution of
the kind.
Bowen, in his "Complete System of Geography," {353} says, "There are two
considerable charity schools here, one for 50 boys, who are taught
arithmetic and navigation, and 20 girls, who are put out to
apprenticeship or services." These were termed Free Schools, and that
for boys was founded within the precincts of the Bartholomews, in 1725,
by the Rev. Anthony Springett, who, in addition to an annual subscription
of 8s., in the year 1740 gave the further sum of 25 per annum, for the
education of twenty poor boys belonging to the parish. In 1735, Mr.
George Beach left the interest of 59 1s. 6d., and in 1781, the Right
Honourable the Countess of Gower gave the interest of 234 12s. to the
same charity. The money, however, having been laid out in the short
annuities, the funds were not available to the intentions of the founder,
the school-house, therefore, and a small parcel of land adjoining, were
sold for 400, and in February, 1818, another school, established upon
its foundation, in the Lanes immediately north of Black Lion Street, was
opened, under the denomination "National School for Boys," the premises
being sufficiently commodious to contain 300 youths, for education in
reading, writing, and arithmetic, and in the principles of the
Established Church.
Another Free School was founded by Mr. William Grimmett, for twenty boys,
the children of parishioners, to be clothed, and instructed in reading,
writing, arithmetic, merchants' accounts, navigation, and the principles
of the Established Church of England. Mr. Grimmett had been instructed
in the Free School founded by Mr. Springett; and having afterwards been
bred to the sea, he realized by his industry above 10,000, nearly 2,000
of which--now accumulated to 2,330 11s. 6d., producing an income of 69
18s. 4d.,--he bequeathed for the endowment of his School. Some
informality in his Will gave his heirs-at-law an opportunity of
contesting the legality of the bequest; but his widow generously
maintained against them a suit in Chancery, and the validity of the Will
was confirmed. But from the nature of the bequest, and the disagreement
that afterwards arose amongst the appointed Trustees, the school was not
established before 1769. It is now managed according to the directions
of the devisor, by sixteen Trustees, namely, the Vicar and three
Churchwardens of the Parish, and twelve other inhabitants of the town,
chosen at a Vestry meeting, among whom every vacancy by death,
resignation, or removal from the town, is in like manner to be always
supplied by public election of the majority of the parishioners, convened
at a Vestry meeting the 1st day of May annually; and every vacancy in the
School is supplied by the election of the Trustees, or the greater part
of them, by ballot, at a public Vestry, of which notice shall be given on
a Sunday at the Parish Church, ten days at least before such meeting; no
boy to be received into the school under the age of eight, nor permitted
to remain there after the age of fifteen years. Forty boys are now
educated on this foundation, at the National School, in which it is
merged.
The most remarkable man in connexion with the Free School, as founded by
Mr. Springett, was Mr. John Grover, under whose care for instruction the
inhabitants obtained signal benefit. He was born of poor parents in
Brighton, about the year 1648, and passed his infancy and early youth in
the lowest drudgeries of a country life, and it was while tending a flock
on the hills adjoining the town that his youthful mind was often employed
in exploring the power and relations of numbers; and when he was of
sufficient strength for the more laborious employments of agriculture,
the moments of his leisure were still dedicated to study. On his spade
and shovel, with a lump of chalk, he worked his problems, and calculated
the motions of the tides and stars. The early acquirements of this
self-taught philosopher soon attracted public wonder and investigation;
indeed, his intellectual powers and industry could not pass without some
notice and patronage; and there is no doubt he was chiefly assisted by
the Scrase family, upon whose farm he was employed, and the Rev. Mr.
Falkner, the Vicar. Books, paper, and time, were the only things his
indefatigable genius seemed to require; and with such aid he soon became
one of the best penmen and mathematicians of his time. Not long after he
had thus established his fame for useful and abstruse science, he was
appointed master of the school, and his unambitious breast aspired to no
higher distinction, as he was enabled to apply the enthusiasm of his
genius to the cultivation of his favourite studies. This mode of
instruction, being that suggested by reason, not the initiative pedantry
of schools, facilitated the attainment of the several branches he taught.
Navigation being the most necessary and profitable science to the
inhabitants of Brighthelmston, he taught it with singular conciseness and
precision. Mr. Grimmett was amongst the last of his pupils, as he died,
universally respected, soon after the commencement of the present
century.
In 1788, in an apartment of the old Town Hall, a School of Industry for
Girls was established, under the patronage of Mrs. Nathaniel Kemp and
other ladies. It consisted of 150 girls, 70 of whom were clothed in
green, educated, and carefully initiated in the sentiments and practice
of religion and industry. This School is that known as the National
School, the central or head building of which Institution, erected in
1829 by Messrs. Stroud and Mew, and subsequently enlarged by Messrs.
Cheesman, is in Church Street. The Gothic style of architecture is
preserved throughout. There is a shield with a scroll over the arched
doorway of the principal entrance containing the Arms of the Town and the
inscription "National Schools." Entering by the grand door of the
vestibule, three tiers of balconies present themselves, having staircases
leading to them and conducting to the several suites of rooms. The hall,
50ft. high, is terminated by a groined roof. The Boys' School is
approached by an elegant flight of stone steps, the room is 75ft long,
35ft wide, and 20ft high, well lighted from the west, and has also an
entrance in Regent Street. The Girls' School-room, which is of similar
dimensions to the Boys', and immediately above it, is approached by two
additional flights of stone stairs. It has a branch in Warwick Street,
built by Mr. Ackerson. The Infant Schools, in connection with the
National Schools, are in Upper Gardner Street, Kent's Court, and Warwick
Street.
Swan Downer's School was founded in 1819, under the will of Mr. Swan
Downer, who in 1811 left the sum of 10,106 15s. 3d., for paying the
expenses of providing a proper School-house for the instruction of 20
poor girls of the parish in needle-work, reading, and writing, and
completely clothing them twice in every year, each of such girls to have
two suits of clothes at or on their election or entrance. On the
foundation of the said school he also provided that out of the interest
and produce of the trust funds--303 4s--a salary of 40 per annum should
be paid to a competent schoolmistress, and the surplus applied to the
education and clothing of fifty girls, which has, since 1859, been
carried on in a large room temporarily rented by the Trustees in Windsor
Street. The first school was in Gardner Street, taken by the then
Trustees at an annual rent of 30, and at a loss of something like 400
in appropriating the premises. A site for the erection of a New
School-house has been approved by the Trustees. It is situated in North
Street, adjoining Messrs. Smithers and Son's Brewery, and has a frontage
to the street of 33ft., and a depth of more than 60ft. The situation
thus selected combines two essentials, proximity to the Parish Church,
with which the founder connected the charity, and a central position, so
important to a day-school for the children of the poor. The Union
Schools, in Middle Street, were founded by Mr. Edward Goff, of Scotland
Yard, London; that for girls by a donation of 400, in 1807, and that for
boys by a legacy of 200 the following year. These schools, which are
supported by voluntary contributions, were re-erected in 1837. The other
National Charity Schools, independent of Sunday Schools, are: British
Schools (Boys' and Girls'), North Lane; Ragged School, Dorset Street;
Ragged Schools, Spa Street and Essex Street; St. John's Schools, Carlton
Hill; St. Nicholas' Church Memorial School, Frederick Street; St.
Stephen's School; Bethel Arch, on the Beach, for Fishermen's children;
Wesleyan Schools, Nelson Row; St. Mark's Church of England Schools, Rock
Street; St. Paul's, West Street.
There are several public educational establishments in the town; the
principal of which is the College. It was established January, 1847, at
the top of Portland Place, on the premises now occupied by J. Jardine,
Esq., LL.D., and known as Portland House Boarding School. The foundation
stone of the present building, in Eastern Road, was laid on the 27th of
June, 1848, by the Right Rev. Ashurst Turner Gilbert, D.D., Lord Bishop
of Chichester, assisted by the architect, Mr. G. G. Scott, of London, and
the builders, Messrs. Wisden and Anscombe. A bottle was deposited under
the stone containing various papers connected with the College, and a
copy of the _Times_ of that day. An elegant trowel, having a richly
carved ivory handle, and enclosed in a handsome mahogany case, was
presented to and used by the Lord Bishop on the occasion. At first the
principal front, which afforded accommodation for 300 pupils, only was
erected, since which has been built the Chapel and other additions. The
College is divided into two departments--the senior and the junior. The
pupils in the senior department wear an academical dress. Students are
admitted into the two departments after nine and fifteen years of age
respectively. The education is of the very highest order, and will bear
a favourable comparison with that of any other Institution in England.
Patron, the Bishop of Chichester: Principal, the Rev. John Griffith.
A short distance to the east is St. Mary's Hall, an institution for
educating the daughters of poor clergymen, established in 1836. To the
benevolence of the late Marquis of Bristol the building of this
institution is principally attributable. His benefactions were not few
nor small; they were, from first to last, every one of them, the
unsolicited spontaneous effusion of his noble heart.
His Lordship's first gift was 500,--to purchase a site for the building,
which was originally designed to look east and west, with only frontage
for the present lodge and the carriage-drive to the Hall. On the land so
bought St. Mary's Hall stands. But before the excavations for the first
design were finished, it was judged best to turn the building, so as to
look north and south, and to purchase the additional frontage to the
south. The piece of land at the back was given by Mr. Enos Durant.
These together cost 1,100, in addition to the munificent gift of 500
from the Marquis, which was given before a sod was turned. In September,
1849, his Lordship gave to St. Mary's Hall its drilling room, which
before had been a painting room, as a free gift; and, moreover, sold to
St. Mary's Hall, for 500 (about half its cost), No. 6, Hervey Terrace,
which had been connected with the drilling room. In 1842-3, he gave a
donation of 200, to mitigate the loss which fell on the Institution, in
consequence of a secret and outstanding mortgage on the play-garden and
kitchen-garden, which had been purchased for 500. The Trustees were
obliged to pay 700 more to reclaim the land, after it had been walled-in
and stocked. The last gift of his Lordship was a cottage and half an
acre of land at the north-west extremity of the premises, together with
his share of right in the road leading to it. This gift was fully worth
400, and was intended as an encouragement for the establishment of an
Infant St. Mary's Hall, which has not yet been carried out. President,
Lord Bishop of Chichester; Secretary and Treasurer, Rev. H. Venn Elliott.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE CHURCHES AND CHAPELS.
Immediately in connexion with St. Mary's Hall, is St. Mark's Church, Kemp
Town. This is another instance of the benevolence of the late Marquis of
Bristol. In 1838-9, he conveyed to the Trustees of St. Mary's Hall the
land on which the Church now stands. After the conveyance thereof, and
when the land was no longer his own, such was his zeal to hasten the
erection of St. Mark's, that, at the expense of some 2,000, he actually
built the carcase of the Church, roofed it in, and glazed its windows.
If the Church Commissioners would have sanctioned it, he originally
designed entirely to build and complete the Church himself. Baffled in
that desire, and feeling at his age the uncertainty of life, he made over
the property to the Trustees of St. Mary's Hall, in the confidence that
the interests of that Institution would induce them, sooner or later, to
complete his purpose. After eight years of ineffectual effort and
negociation, St. Mark's Church was at last finished, and consecrated on
St. Matthew's Day, September 21st, 1849; and for some years his Lordship
was a worshipper in that house of prayer. The cost of its completion and
of the endowment, in addition to his Lordship's free gift of the site and
the carcase, was not far short of 5,000. For this expense one of the
Trustees became personally responsible, on account of the immense value
of the Church, and its gratuitous accommodation to St. Mary's Hall. The
subscriptions and collections entrusted to him amounted to 4,832 5s.
8d., of which sum Lord Bristol contributed a benefaction of 500.
In grateful remembrance of his Lordship, a splendid Memorial Window and
Monumental Tablet were erected to his memory, in the Church, in 1860.
The expense of the Window was defrayed by subscriptions, chiefly by the
members of the congregation, and that of the Tablet by the Rev. E. B.
Elliott and Lawrence Peel, Esq.
The Memorial Window is an elaborate work of art in the Gothic style, the
subjects of the paintings being well selected from sacred history. The
centre compartment has two divisions. In the upper division is the
ascending Saviour, with His arms stretched out in the act of blessing His
Disciples. The lower division represents the figure of St. Mark, writing
the concluding verses of his Gospel. In the north compartment, the
subject is the Lord descending, after the Paschal Supper with His
Disciples, from Jerusalem towards Gethsamane; the Disciples are sorrowing
at the thoughts of His speedy departure from them, and He is comforting
them with the hope of His going to prepare for their re-union in Heaven.
The south compartment contains a group of Disciples looking towards the
ascending Saviour, in the upper central window, whilst two angels address
them--as recorded in Acts I., ch. ii.
The Monumental Tablet is of Caen stone, bearing the following inscription
in Latin:--
FENESTRA
ORIENTALIS TRIPARTITA HUJUS ECCLESL
A QUIBUSDAM AMICIS HIC SACRA COLENTIBUS
ALIISQUE OPPIDI HUJUSCE CIVIBUS,
GRATO ANIMO POSITA EST
In Memoriam
FREDERICI GULIELMI, PRIMI MARCHIONIS DE BRISTOL.
* * * * *
NOBTLITATE INSIGNIS, MUNIFICENTIA INSIGNIOR,
DIVITIIS NON SIBIMET, SED ALIIS, UTI DELECTATUS EST.
ECCLESIAM HANC,
PROPRIIS SUIS SUMPTIBUS QUOAD MUROS EXTRUCTAM,
CULTUI DIVINO DEDTCANDAM IN ALIORUM MANUS TRANSTULIT.
AUL SANCT MARL, PROXIME ADJACENTI,
AGRUM PRETIOSUM PRO SITU DONAVIT.
HOSPITALI BRIGHTONENSI SACELLUM ADDIDIT.
COEMETERIUM PAROCHIALE TRANS COLLEM LARGE AMPLIFICAVIT.
USQUE AD EXTREMAM SENECTUTEM VITA PROTENSA,
FACULTATIBUS MENTIS VIX LANGUIDIORIBUS
CORDIS BENEVOLENTIA, UTI PRIUS, MINIME IMMINUTA FRUEBATUR.
TANDEM, MORBO LETHALI CORREPTUS,
RELIGIONIS CONSOLATIONIBUS
SACRAQUE COMMUNIONE, NANU FILII IPSIUS MINISTRATA, REFECTUS,
PLACIDE, FAMILIA SUA CIRCUMSTANTE, IN FIDE CHRISTI OBDORMIVIT.
QUOD ILLIUS MORTALE ERAT
IN CRYPTA FAMILIARI SUBTER ECCLESIAM ICKWORTHIENSEM SEPULTUM
JACET.
IBI, UT SPERAMUS, BEATAM RESURRECTIONEM EXPECTAT,
QUANDO QUI OLIM ASCENDIT
RURSUS, SECUNDUM PROMISSUM, GLORIOSE DESCENDET;
SUOS SIBI UNDIQUE ET MORTUOS COACTURUS.
JESUS HOMINUM SALVATOR.
The base of the Tablet bears the Escutcheon of the House of Bristol. On
a brass plate, that extends under the whole window, is the following
Latin inscription:--
In Memoriam
HONORARISSIMAM FREDERICI GULIELMI,
PRIMI MARCHIONIS DE BRISTOL.
FUNDATORIS HUJUS ECCLESI.
NATI, A.D. 1769; MORTII, XV. MAR. 1859.
The present Marquis of Bristol bore the expense of the enclosure of the
Chancel and the painting of the walls in a style accordant with the new
ornamental window, thus completing the work.
The Chapel in Prince's Place, subsequently named by special Act of
Parliament the Chapel Royal, was projected originally for the
accommodation of the increasing number of visitors, and especially to
lull an outcry prevailing at the time in consequence of the
non-attendance of the heir apparent at any place of worship during his
periodical residence in Brighton. The corner stone was laid with masonic
honours by H.R.H. George, Prince of Wales, K.G., G.M., &c., on the 25th
November, 1793. Divine service was performed in the building, which was
unconsecrated until the year 1803, by various clergymen connected with
the Court, and only during the season. Among them may be named
Archbishop Moore, Bishop Horsley, and Bishop Horne, the latter of whom
preached his celebrated published sermon there, on the text, "The sea is
His, and He made it." The Prince regularly attended, and the chapel was
thronged with the nobility and gentry. A story is told that H.R.H
finally took umbrage at some very personal remarks spoken at him from the
pulpit by the Rev. W. Brooke, who had taken for his text the words, "Thou
art the man." Mr. B. was then Curate of Brighton, and had been suddenly
requested to take the duty in consequence of the indisposition of the
appointed clergyman. The Prince never again entered the chapel, and
curiously enough Mr. Brooke soon after quitted the established church and
officiated for some years in a building, erected by certain of his
followers, in Church Street. The last occupant of the Royal Closet was
H.R.H. the late amiable Princess Augusta, who died in London in 1840.
This chapel was the last place of public worship in which H.R.H. was
enabled to appear. In 1803, during the incumbency of the Rev. T. Hudson,
it was thought desirable by him, as Vicar of Brighton, to secure the
building as a Chapel of Ease to the Parish Church, St. Nicholas. He held
the freehold, and obtained an Act, 43rd Geo. III., cap. 91, constituting
the Church a perpetual curacy, and reserving to himself and his
successors in the Vicarage the right of nomination. The incumbent is
subject solely to the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Chichester, "as if
the curacy of the said chapel were a presentative Vicarage." It may be
mentioned that under the special Act, the perpetual Curate is required to
solemnize baptisms and churchings (marriages are exempted), and empowered
to demand double the fees usually received at the Parish Church for the
like duties. After Mr. Hudson's removal from Brighton, the lay property
of the chapel passed, by purchase, to his successor (Rev. Dr. R. J. Carr)
and others. The present proprietors are R. Sedly Tilstone, Esq., of
Alverstoke and Moulse-coombe, R. C. Cox, Esq., of Taunton, and Rev.
Thomas Trocke, M.A., the present Incumbent. The building externally is
very plain, having none other decoration than a fine cast of the Royal
Arms in patent stone, on the pediment over the central window in front.
The interior, however, is somewhat elegant. The Royal Closet still
remains, and the Pulpit, Desk, and Altar arrangements are very handsome.
Over the latter, there is a valuable Painting of "The Crucifixion," by
Van Een, a pupil of Vandyke. The organ has two sets of manuels. There
are sittings for about 800 persons, of which 150 are thrown open to the
public.
St. Peter's Church was commenced in 1824, the first stone being laid the
8th of May. It is a beautiful Gothic structure of Portland stone,
embellished with various decorations, and from its combined elegance and
situation forms one of the most striking features of the town. The
interior is divided into three aisles, the principal of which runs
through the body of the Church, leading from the chief entrance to the
altar, over which there is a magnificent stained glass window
representing the Evangelists and the Apostles, which was presented by the
Vicar, the Rev. H. M. Wagner. The Church was designed by the late Sir
Charles Barry, built by Mr. Ranger, and consecrated 27th January, 1828.
Incumbent, Rev. Thomas Cooke, M.A.
The following are the names of the trees planted in St. Peter's
Church-yard, with their symbolical description:--
_Cedar of Lebanon_--being the tree selected by Solomon for building the
Temple of Jerusalem; _Weeping Willow_--a native of Babylon, and the tree
on which the unhappy Israelites hung their harps when they bemoaned the
loss of Jerusalem; _Sycamore_--the tree on which Zaccheus climbed to see
Christ pass on His way to Jerusalem; _Thorn_--to remind us of the Crown of
Thorns; _Aspen_--it being the tree of which the Cross is said to have been
formed; _Lime_--the principal papyraceous tree of the ancients, and on the
bark of which the Scriptures were probably first written; _Ash_--esteemed
a sacred tree in ancient times, and one to which the Serpent is said to
have a strong antipathy; _Plane_--the favourite tree of the Greeks, and
under whose shade the Athenian philosophers retired to study; _Birch_--the
tree from which the Lictors made their fasces; _Elm_--the funeral tree of
the Romans, and the coffin timber of Britons; _Cypress_--the funeral tree
of all Eastern nations; _Yew_--the funeral Yew so famed in war, and a tree
consecrated and dedicated to the grave; _Arbor Vit_--although the tree of
life, it shows that immortality is not the lot of anything terrestrial;
_Holly_--as being used in the decorations of churches at sacred festivals;
_Box_--the plant formerly used in the feast of the Purification of the
Blessed Virgin; _Poplar_--a plant held sacred by the Romans, and the tree
used to mark the boundaries of their lands; _Maple_--the tree of which the
bowl of hospitality was formed in days of yore; _Pine_--"And the tall
pines for future navies,"--_Dant utile lignum Navigus Pinus_, (the useful
pine for ships,) "To thee I consecrate the pine:"--in Pagan days it was
consecrated to Diana; _Bay_--the "Laurus Nobilis" of the ancient warriors,
the crown of our Poet Laureates, a supposed protection from lightning,
and a purifier of pestilential air; _Laurel_--as an honourable badge for
those who bravely defend their country and their laws; _Oak_--once the
refuge of a British Monarch, and ever the best bulwark of our Church and
State.
Of all the places of worship in the town not one has a more interesting
history attached to it than the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel--commonly
known as North Street Chapel,--facing the New Road.
Before entering into the particulars of this Chapel the following
anecdote may not be deemed uninteresting, as it is somewhat connected
with the subsequent motives of Lady Huntingdon{364} building a religious
edifice in the town:--In the year 1755, the illness of the youngest son of
the Countess induced her ladyship to come to Brighton for the benefit of
sea-bathing. About this time the following singular circumstance
occurred, which Lady Huntingdon related to the Rev. A. M. Toplady, and
which is extracted from the manuscript in the Posthumous Works of that
gentleman, published by the executors in 1780:--"A gentlewoman who lived a
little way out of Brighthelmston dreamt that a tall lady dressed in a
particular manner would come to that town, and be an instrument of doing
much good. It was about three years after this dream that Lady
Huntingdon came to Brighton. A few days after her Ladyship's arrival,
the above gentlewoman met her in the street, and, making a full stop,
exclaimed 'Oh! Madam, you are come.' Lady H., surprised at the
singularity of such an address from an entire stranger, thought the woman
was bereft of her senses. 'What do you know of me?' asked the Countess.
'Madam' replied the gentlewoman, 'I saw you in a dream three years ago,
dressed just as you are now,' and proceeded in the relation of her dream
to the Countess. This person was, in consequence of her acquaintance
with Lady H., converted in a few weeks, and died in the triumph of faith
about a year after."
About three months after her Ladyship's arrival she visited a poor
soldier's wife who had just been delivered of twins, and administered to
her temporal and spiritual wants. It happened that next to that room was
an oven belonging to a baker's shop, thither the people flocked for
bread. Overhearing the pious conversation, some of the poor women sought
and obtained admission, and from time to time they met there and
conversed on religious topics. The news of the religious labours of a
person of rank was soon scattered through the town, and the people began
to be anxious of doing more good than was yet accomplished. The Countess
sent for her Chaplain, the Rev. George Whitefield. He came, and preached
his first sermon in a field at the back of the White Lion Inn, North
Street. A little society was formed in consequence, and after a time
there was a growing anxiety for a place wherein they might hold their
meetings. The Countess would have been glad to have provided a house of
meeting, but at that time her funds were exhausted, she having already
given some hundred thousand pounds to the cause of God. She, however,
devised a plan for raising the necessary means; she sent for her
jeweller, opened her casket of jewels, and disposed of them, the
following account of which cannot fail to interest:--
s. d.
Two 13 drops 400 0 0
Twenty-eight 13 3 drops 90 0 0
Thirty-seven pearls, at 4 15s each 175 15 0
Seed pearls 10 0 0
Gold Box 23 0 0
698 15 0
Her Ladyship at that time lived in a house which formed a part of North
street,--the business of the town then being transacted in the Lanes,--and
built a little Chapel with these funds at the back of her private house,
on the site of the present chapel, which was opened in the Autumn of
1761, the Rev. Matthew Madden preaching the opening sermon. It had only
been opened six years when it was found to be too small for its
congregation, and, in February, 1767, it was enlarged and re-opened by
the Rev. M. Madden and the Rev. G. Whitefield. In 1774 it was taken down
and rebuilt, this time at the expense of Miss Norton, a friend of the
Countess, who lived in an adjoining house. In 1775 it was re-opened, for
the third time, by the Rev. W. Romaine, the then Rector of St. Ann's,
Blackfriars. In 1810, a further enlargement was found to be necessary,
and it was then made capable of accommodating 1,000 persons. {365} In
1821 another considerable enlargement took place, making it capable of
holding 1,500 persons. It was again enlarged in 1842,--when the
chapel-house was thrown into the body of the place,--to its present
condition.
Among the celebrated Ministers who have preached there, besides those
already mentioned, may be named, Revs. A. M. Toplady, Berridge, Jones,
Fletcher, Henry Venn, Dr. Rawes,--the founder of the London Missionary
Society,--and the late lamented Pastor, the Rev. Joseph Sortain. The Rev.
J. B. Figgis is the present Pastor.
Union Street Chapel was erected, after the repeal of the Non-Conformist
Act, in 1698, and for upwards of one hundred years continued in the hands
of the Presbyterians. It now belongs to a congregation of Dissenters of
the Independent denomination. In 1810 it was considerably enlarged,
under the Pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Styles. In 1823, the Rev. J. N.
Goulty, at the earnest request of the congregation, accepted the
Pastorate. At that time there was a debt of 1,000 on the Chapel, only
about half of which had been provided for before he took the office. The
attendance so increased, especially at evening services, that it was
found desirable, in the Summer of 1825, to have it taken down and
entirely re-built. The expenses of this alteration were immediately
subscribed by the congregation, except about 500, which was lent upon
debentures, to be taken up in five years, which were ultimately
satisfactorily settled. It is now capable of seating nearly 1,000
persons. In January, 1862, after 38 years' indefatigable labour, the
Rev. J. N. Goulty resigned the Pastorate, and was succeeded by the Rev.
R. Vaughan Pryce, M.A., LL.B.
Trinity Chapel is situated in Ship Street, and was built in 1817, by
Messrs. Wilds, at the sole expense of Thomas Read Kemp, Esq., M.P., who
officiated personally until 1825, when it was purchased by the Rev.
Robert Anderson. It has undergone several alterations, and is at present
used as a Chapel of Ease to the Church of England. The interior is
extremely handsome. In the centre of the ceiling rises a small dome,
partly covered with glass, which adds to the light, and gives a free
ventilation of air. The Rev. Henry Herbert Wyatt, M.A., is the present
Incumbent.
Wesleyan Chapel, Dorset Gardens, was erected in 1808, and is capable of
accommodating 700 persons. There is no settled Pastor to the
congregation, but it is supplied with ministers appointed by the
Conference. In connexion with this Chapel are the Windsor Street and
Upper Bedford Street (Zion) Wesleyan Chapels.
St. James's Chapel, on the north side of St. James's Street, was built in
1810. The Duke of Marlborough, on being apprized that the scheme for the
erection of this Chapel was on foot, and that the expences attending it
would be covered by voluntary contributions, with that liberality which
so distinguished him during his residence in Grove House, instantly
subscribed 100, and expressed a hope, on doing so, that--to use his own
words--"the playhouse method of receiving shillings for admission, as at
the Chapel Royal, would not be adopted when the building was completed."
His Lordship's hopes were fully realized, and the Chapel, being built by
shares, was called a Free Chapel. Some few years after its erection, in
consequence of the congregation dissenting from the Established Church,
it was taken by the late Nathaniel Kemp, Esq., of Ovingdean, who
purchased all the shares, became sole-proprietor, and had it duly
consecrated. The property has now passed into the hands of his widow and
children. The Rev. C. D. Maitland, the present Incumbent, was nominated
in February, 1828. In 1836 the school-room was built adjoining the
Chapel, wherein about 250 children of both sexes have been religiously
instructed every Sunday since that time, and 130 girls have been daily
receiving an useful education.
St. Margaret's Chapel is situated in St. Margaret's Place, on the west
side of Cannon Place. It was built, in 1825, as a Chapel of Ease. This
Chapel is "proprietary," though consecrated under special Act of
Parliament. The Rev. Edmund Clay, B.A., who was appointed in February,
1856, pays a rental of 375 per annum, and all expenses of repairs and
others incidental to the due performance of Divine Worship: averaging
over 200 per annum. In connexion with this Chapel are the Industrial
Girls' School, built by the Rev. E. Clay, in 1856, at a cost of 1,600;
the Youths' Evening School, in Cannon Street, and an Infant Nursery, in
Regency Square.
St. George's Chapel, built, in 1825, under a special Act of Parliament,
in St. George's Road, and directly opposite the Hospital, at the sole
expense of Thomas Read Kemp, Esq., is capable of holding about 1,200
people. The Rev. J. S. M. Anderson, Chaplain to the Queen and Queen
Dowager, officiated for a number of years, and was very popular. He was
succeeded by the present Incumbent, the Rev. J. H. North, M.A.
St. Mary's Chapel, St. James's Street, was erected in 1827. This Chapel
is built after a model of the Temple of Nemesis, at Athens. Incumbent
and Patron, Rev. H. V. Elliott, M.A.
St. John's (the Evangelist) Chapel, Carlton Hill, was built in 1840, by
Messrs. Cheesman, upon a site most unfortunately selected, and without
any architectural advice. There are four Schools in connexion with this
Chapel, under the clerical management of the Perpetual Curate, upon the
principles of self-support, which are calculated to exercise a powerful
influence for good in this, the very poorest portion of the town, the
building being made over for ever to the National Society for the
Education of the Poor in the principles of the Established Church, and
placed under trust of the Archdeacon of Lewes. Rev. A. A. Morgan, M.A.,
is the present Incumbent.
Christ Church, Montpelier Road, was consecrated on 26th April, 1838, and
built by Mr. G. Cheesman. There was no public laying of the foundation
stone. It is capable of holding about 1,200 people, 700 of the sittings
being free. The Rev. James Vaughan, M.A., has been Incumbent from the
opening. Adjoining this Church, in Bedford Place, are Educational
Schools for middle classes, erected, in 1843, by Messrs. Wisden and
Anscombe. Besides these there is an Infant School, connected with the
Church, in Clarence Gardens.
St. Paul's Church, West Street, is a large and handsome building, built,
in 1848, by Messrs. Cheesman, from a design by Mr. Carpenter, architect.
It is built of cut flints with stone coignes, and is intended to be
finished with a lofty spire. It is in the decorated English style. The
Church is entered by a covered way or cloister. The interior is highly
decorated in the medival style. The roof of the nave is of timber, and
that of the chancel is painted blue with gold stars; several of the
windows are of stained glass. It contains a nave, north and south
aisles, and chancel, and has a fine toned organ; a peal of bells, the
largest in the town, have been hung in the unfinished tower. It was
consecrated on St. Luke's Day, 1849. The Rev. A. D. Wagner is the
Incumbent.
Hanover Chapel, situated at the top of Church Street, in the rear of the
Odd Fellows' Hall, was opened for public worship on the 30th of August,
1825, and belongs to the Presbyterian denomination. It was erected at
the sole expense (4,000) of the Rev. M. Edwards, of Petworth, who, with
the assistance of some of the most popular preachers of the day, also
supplied its pulpit. It is calculated to seat 1,200 persons.
Salem Chapel, Bond Street, was erected in 1787; was enlarged in 1825, and
rebuilt in 1861. It is now a very handsome building, belonging to the
Particular Baptists. The Rev. George Isaacs is Minister.
All Saints' Church, Clifton Road, is a fine specimen of early English
architecture. It was built in 1852 by Messrs. Cheesman. It has a nave,
side aisles, and chancel, and contains a fine toned organ. Its spire
remains as yet unfinished. The Rev. Thomas Coombe, B.A., is Incumbent
and Surrogate.
All Souls' Church, in Eastern Road, was erected by subscription in 1833,
by Messrs. Mew, for the accommodation of the poor and working classes;
the seats are nearly all free. The benefice is a Perpetual Curacy. The
Rev. Richard Snowden Smith, M.A., is Incumbent.
St. Andrew's Chapel, Waterloo Street, in the parish of Hove, is a neat
building, and contains several handsome marble tablets. It was completed
in 1828, and will contain 600 people. The Rev. W. H. Rooper is the
present Patron and Incumbent, assisted by the Right Rev. Bishop Trower.
Providence Chapel, Church Street, is of the Calvanistic persuasion, and
was built in 1805. Minister, Rev. Thomas Bayfield. The other
Calvanistic Chapel in Brighton (Jireh Chapel) is in Robert Street,
Glo'ster Lane, of which the Rev. Thomas Dray is the Minister.
Ebenezer Chapel, Richmond Street, was the second Place of Worship erected
in Brighton for the Particular Baptists. It was opened in 1825. Rev.
Israel Atkinson, Minister.
The other Baptist Chapels in the town are Queen's Square--Rev. Joseph
Wilkins; Tabernacle Chapel, West Street--Rev. John Grace; Bethsaida Hall
Chapel, Windsor Street--Rev. Thomas Stringer.
St. James's Church, Cambridge Road, is a noble edifice, of Kentish rag
and Bath stone, in the early decorative English style. It has a lofty
nave, chancel, two aisles, and chapels, and for external beauty is one of
the most imposing churches in Brighton. It was erected in 1858, at the
sole expense of the Rev. Thomas O'Brien, D.D., who is now Patron and
Incumbent.
Christ Church, New Road, originally known as the Unitarian Chapel, was
built from a design of Mr. Wilds. It has a light and elegant fluted
Doric portico, and is built after the style of the Temple of Theseus.
Since the appointment of the Rev. Robert Ainslie great improvements have
been made in the interior arrangements, and the comfort of the
congregation thereby much enhanced.
There are three Roman Catholic Chapels in Brighton: St. John the
Baptist's, Bristol Road; St. Mary Magdalene, 51, Upper North Street; and
West Cliff Catholic Chapel, Sillwood Lodge. The first chapel of this
denomination was in High Street. In 1833, the number of Roman Catholic
visitors increased so rapidly that it was deemed expedient to build a
larger one, and in 1837, St. John the Baptist's was opened, and the one
in High Street abandoned. The old Chapel is now used as a printing
office, by Mrs. Sickelmore. The interior of the Chapel in Bristol Road
is very airy, and commodious, but its external appearance is heavy, the
Corinthian pilasters being disproportionately large. The officiating
Priests there at the present time are the Very Rev. Canon Reardon, the
Very Rev. Canon Rymer, and the Rev. William Stone. St. Mary-Magdalene's
was erected in 1861-2, by Messrs. Cheesman, from a design by Mr. Rodley,
and opened in February, 1862. It is in the Gothic style. The Rev. G. A.
Oldham is the priest. Of West Cliff Chapel, the Rev. E. J. Clery is the
priest.
The following is a list of the places of worship in Brighton, with the
officiating clergymen, in addition to those already enumerated:--London
Road Chapel, Ann Street, Rev. E. Hamilton; Queen's Square Independent
Chapel, Rev. E. Paxton Hood; Circus Street Chapel, various; Pavilion
Chapel (Independent), Rev. J. A. Wallinger; Bible Christians, Cavendish
Street, Rev. Paul Foskett; Friends' Meeting House, Ship Street, various;
Jews' Synagogue, 38, Devonshire Place, Reader, M. S. Nuremberg; Primitive
Methodist, Sussex Street, various; Catholic Apostolic Church, Grand
Parade, various; St. Michl and All Angel's, Victoria Road, Rev. C.
Beanlands, M.A.; Temporary Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Bread Street,--a
branch of St. Paul's Church, West Street, which supplies the Ministers;
Huntingtonian Chapel, Union Street, Mr. Christopher Sharp; Swedenborgian
Church, Odd Fellows' Hall, Queen's Road, various; St. Ann's Church,
Burlington Street, is now in course of erection by Messrs. Cheesman, from
a design by Mr. Terry, Architect.
CHAPTER XXXI.
HOVE AND CLIFTONVILLE.
Adjoining Brighton on the west, is the parish of Hove, which still
retains nearly its ancient name, being written in the Doomsday Book
_Hov_. It covers a large area of ground, and, for the most part, is laid
out in fine open streets, and houses of noble elevation. Palmeira Square
and Adelaide Crescent, projected by the late Baron Goldsmid, and now
completed, is the most magnificent range of buildings in the parish. In
1801, the population of Hove was only 101, in 1811 it increased to 312,
and in 1831 to 1,360, in 1851 to 4,104, in 1861 to 9,818. This great
increase in population during the last ten years is to be attributed to
the building of Cliftonville, forming quite a new town in the centre of
the parish. The houses generally are semi-detached villas and private
residences, many of which display much architectural beauty. The parish
church (St. Peter) is a flint and stone building in the Norman style, and
was restored in 1834 from the ruins of one which was formerly considered
a structure of great beauty and grandeur, the tower of which fell down in
1801. After the falling of the tower, a wooden pigeon-house steeple was
erected, and the centre aisle sufficiently accommodated the congregation
up to the time of its restoration. The accommodation afforded by Hove
parish church, owing to the rapid rise of Cliftonville, was soon found to
be inadequate to the requirements of the community,--as in certain seasons
of the year the influx of visitors is so great that the population is
considered not less than 12,000; and in 1852, another church was erected
at the west end of the Western Road, and dedicated to St. John the
Baptist, and even now the church accommodation is insufficient. In 1855
a Town Hall was built by the Commissioners. This was necessitated in
consequence of Brighton having obtained a Charter of Incorporation, and
consequently criminal cases arising in Hove and villages in its
neighbourhood could no longer be adjudicated on by the Brighton Bench.
The County Magistrates are C. Carpenter, Esq., John Borrer, Esq., W.
Furner, Esq., R. Henty, Esq., Colonel Paine, M. D. Scott, Esq., F. S.
Hurlock, Esq., J. H. Pickford, Esq., W. F. Smithe, Esq., Sir G. A.
Westphal, and P. Salomons, Esq. The police force is very effective,
there being one constable to every 500 inhabitants. The fire brigade is
made up from the police force, and is organised under the direction of
Superintendent Breach. Building operations still continue in Hove to a
large extent, a new road (Cambridge Road) being just completed, and a new
street having recently been laid out to the west of the Sussex Hotel, in
Cliftonville. The houses there are being built by Mr. Jabez Reynolds, of
Brighton, on a large scale, and bids fair to form one of the finest
streets in the parish.
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF LOCAL EVENTS.
693.--Bishop Brighthelm slain above Brighthelmston.
913.--First constable of Brighton appointed by Edward I. (the Elder), by
the statute of Winchester.
1008.--Ulnoth, the Lord of the Manor of Brightholmston, ordered by
Ethelred II. to equip and command the fleet sent by the county of Sussex
to oppose the Danes.
1014.--September 28th, a great sea-flood on this eve, that of St. Michl,
which spread over the land.
1040.--Earl Godwin dispossessed of Brighton by Edward the Confessor.
1053.--April 17th, Earl Godwin, son of Ulnoth, died suddenly while dining
with the King, Edward the Confessor, at Winchester, where the Court then
resided. His death was no doubt from apoplexy; but the monkish writers
attributed it to a stroke of divine vengeance for the murder of Alfred
the son of Ethelred, in the monastery of Ely.
1066.--October 14th, the battle of Hastings fought.
1080.--Convent of mendicant friars, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, founded
by William de Warren and his wife, Gundred.
1081.--The survey of Sussex taken, by order of William the Conqueror. The
_gablum_ or rent of the manor of Brighthelmston-Lewes was worth 12
a-year.
1313.--Charter for holding a market every Thursday obtained for the town
by the Earl of Warren, of Edward III.
1377.--Brighton pillaged by the French.
1513.--The town pillaged and burnt by a French fleet, under Admiral
Primauget.
1535.--Ecclesiastical valuation of the town made, by order of Henry VIII.,
a thus:
"DEANERY OF LEWES; PRIORY OF LEWES.
BRIGHTHELMYSTON.
"Farm of the Rectory there, with all first fruits and advantages, and
various things, let to Mr. Richard Nicolle, for a term of years, and
the rent thence by the year 16,"
"PRIORY OF MICHELHAM,
WHENCE,
BRIGHTHELMYSTON.
"Farm of certain land and tenements there in the occupation of John
Smyth, otherwise Waterman, returning thence by the year, 100s."
1538.--The Parish Church register of baptisms and burials commenced.
1545.--July 18th, the town attacked, pillaged, and burnt by the French,
under Admiral D'Annehault.
1555.--Deryk Carver, a brewer, of Brighton, burnt at the stake, at Lewes,
for his resistance of Popery.
1558.--The Block-house and fortifications of the town erected.
-- In July, about the end, the Spanish Armada passed off Brighton, pursued
by the English navy.
1584.--The Bartholomews purchased by the town, of William Midwinter, a
mariner.
1597.--Warlike materials, for the defence of the town against the
Spaniards, were sent from Lewes to Brighton.
1651.--October 14th, Charles II. escaped from Brighton to the continent.
1670.--Captain Tettersel appointed High Constable of the Hundred.
1703.--November 27th, a great storm, which did much damage to the town and
the vessels belonging to it.
1705.--August 11th, a terrific storm.
1713.--Mr. Henry May paid to the parish one halfpenny for permission to
convey the corpse of his father through Hilly Lane, from the Race Hill to
the town, there being no high road.
1727.--The Town Well, on the Knab, finished.
1749.--January, the Block-house partially destroyed by an extraordinary
high tide.
1750.--Dr. Richard Russell took up his residence in Brighton.
1754.--Russell Street (so named from Dr. Russell, the founder of the fame
of Brighton) built.
1761.--Battery erected at the bottom of East Street.
-- Lady Huntingdon's Chapel first erected.
1768.--The first baths in Brighton constructed, on the site of Brill's
Ladies' Swimming Bath.
1771.--A small brass figure dug up in the Vicarage garden, supposed to be
a votive offering of some person who had escaped the horrors of a
shipwreck.
1772.--First Local Act obtained.
1774.--Lady Huntingdon's Chapel re-built.
-- The Theatre built in North Street.
1777.--The peal of bells placed in the tower of St. Nicholas' Church.
1782.--The Prince of Wales first visited Brighton. The master gunner on
the occasion lost both of his arms while firing the Royal salute from the
battery at the bottom of East Street.
1784.--Royal Pavilion commenced.
1786.--November 17th, battery at the bottom of East Street washed down by
a storm.
-- Theatre in Duke Street opened.
1787.--Salem Chapel built.
1788.--First Race Stand erected.
-- On December the 22nd, in consequence of the severity of the frost, on
the receding of the tide, the water within the sand bar was frozen over.
1790.--January 13th, Mr. William Attree, at a public Vestry meeting at the
Old Ship, was appointed Vestry Clerk, at 10 guineas per annum.
1792.--September 20th, by order of the Duke of York, an ox was roasted
whole.
-- Streeter's mill (the mill on the Dyke Road, above Preston Drove), was
removed by 86 oxen, from Bellevue field, now Regency square.
1792.--October 22nd, thirty-seven nuns, in the habit of their Order,
landed at Shoreham, and afterwards proceeded to Brussels.
1793.--Brighton Camp is formed in the fields to the west of Brighton.
-- April 26th, Rooke and Howell executed for robbing the mail.
-- The east and west batteries erected.
-- November 25th, the corner stone of the Chapel Royal laid, by his Royal
Highness the Prince Regent.
1794.--February 10th, Dr. Henderson at a Vestry meeting, held at the
Unicorn Inn, was presented with a pint silver cup, for his care and
attention to the Parish.
-- April 16th, Howell's stables, in the Bartholomews, burnt down, and nine
troop horses consumed.
-- Cannons planted on the east and west batteries.
-- General inoculation, 2,113 persons, including 250 from the
neighbourhood, were inoculated for small pox.
-- An encampment of 7,000 men at the west part of the town. It was broken
up in November.
1795.--Great flood and 18 weeks' frost.
-- June 12th (Saturday), Edward Cooke and Henry Parrish, shot at Goldstone
Bottom, for mutiny.
-- Cavalry Barracks on the Lewes Road completed.
1796.--By order of Vestry all vagrants and beggars were to be apprehended
by the Crier, who was to receive a shilling a-head for their capture.
-- The Percy Alms Houses, Lewes Road, built.
1798.--The Royal Crescent commenced by Otto, who built three houses at
each end and then bolted, leaving his creditors in the lurch.
1799.--November 20th, several of the Brighton fishermen taken out of their
boats whilst fishing off Seaford, by two French lugger privateers, and
carried to France.
-- There lived at 3, Artillery Place, Mr. Nathan Smith, inventor,
patentee, and operator of an Air-pump for extracting the gout, &c.
1800.--The Pavilion property purchased by the Prince of Wales.
-- The high-road from East Street to Marlborough Place closed.
-- The New Road opened from North Street to Church Street.
-- March 31st, Thomas Waring appointed parish beadle and town crier.
1802.--The two wings added to the Royal Pavilion.
-- October 26th, Capt. William Codlin executed at Newgate, for sinking his
ship, the "Adventure," off Brighton, in August.
1803.--April 15th, the Churchwardens and Overseers accept Dr. Bankhead's
offer to attend the poor gratuitously.
-- August 23rd, Race Stand destroyed by fire.
-- The trees in the New Road planted.
-- A sewer constructed from Pavilion Parade to the back of Williams's
Baths, at the expense of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Marlborough.
-- Chapel Royal consecrated, and an Act of Parliament procured, securing
it as a Chapel of Ease to the Parish Church.
1805.--April 18th, the Vestry Clerk's salary increased to 30 per annum.
-- July 29th, a boy killed on the Race Hill, by being thrown out of a
swing whereby his back was broken.
1805.--September 23rd, grand review near Rottingdean of the Inniskilling
(Queen's) Dragoons, Artillery, and South Gloucester, Dorset, Monmouth,
Brecon, and South Hants Militia, under General Paget.
-- October, the organ at the Pavilion erected.
-- October, the Prince of Wales purchased the Dairy at Preston, of Mr. W.
Stanford.
-- November 6th, at 40 minutes after 3 o'clock this afternoon, an express
arrived at the Royal Pavilion to announce to the Prince of Wales the
glorious defeat of the enemy's fleet at Trafalgar, and the death of the
brave and Victorious Nelson.
-- December 26th, the Royal Stables, Church Street, completed.
1806.--March 12th, A heavy snow-storm, in which Neville, a well-known
inhabitant of Brighton was lost in a drift about the spot where the Adur
Inn now stands, at Aldrington.
-- March 13th, the subject of a Charter of Incorporation mooted at a
Public Vestry Meeting.
-- July 25th, the Earl of Barrymore and Mr. Howarth fought a duel at
Black-rock Bottom in consequence of a dispute at cards the previous night
at the Castle Tavern.
-- August 12th, mock invasion of the town.
-- Sept. 1st, Williams's Baths opened.
-- Sept. 12th, Lord Thurlow died at his residence, West Cliff.
-- Sept. 25th, Mr. Brunton, sen., laid the Foundation Stone of Theatre, in
the New Road.
-- _Brighton Herald_ first published.
1807.--Zion Chapel, Bedford Street, erected.
-- May 28th, the great county election contest terminated:--
Wyndham 4,333
Fuller 2,530
Sergison 2,473
-- Theatre in New road opened.
-- Sept. 3rd, the Sheep and Lamb Fair on the Level was well attended.
-- October 1st, Masked ball at Old Ship.
-- October 22nd, three brigs, two colliers, and a vessel laden with corn,
were wrecked in front of the town.
1808.--Wesleyan Chapel erected in Dorset Gardens.
-- April 27th, Mr. Jonathan Grenville appointed poor-rate collector at a
compensation of 3d. in the on all monies collected; the appointment to
be discretionary in the "Breast" of the parish officers.
-- Mr. Forth succeeds Mr. Wade as Master of the Ceremonies.
1809.--August 9th, neither a house nor lodgings to be got for love or
money.
--March 21st, a meeting held at the Old Ship Tavern to inspect and
consider a plan for the consideration of a harbour at Brighton.
-- Brighton Dispensary founded.
-- July 7th, Mr. Tilt, proprietor of the Castle Tavern and Subscription
Rooms, died.
1810.--St. James's Chapel built. The Duke of Marlborough contributed
100.
-- Lady Huntingdon's Chapel enlarged.
-- The Town Act of 1773 repealed, and a now Act passed.
1810.--April 12th, the first catch of the season of mackerel, 116 in
number, fetched 2s 4d each, for Billingsgate Market.
-- May 21st, the first mail coaches put on the road between Brighton and
London.
-- May 2nd, first meeting of the Town Commissioners, under the new Act of
Parliament, at the Old Ship.
-- May 31st, Holy Thursday, Brighton Fair held on the Cliff, between
Middle Street and Black-lion Street.
-- June 28th, the London Road, by way of Hickstead, opened from Pyecombe.
-- The Royal Crescent built.
-- July 11th, a court martial, held at the Castle Tavern, on Corporal
Robert Curtis, of the Oxford Militia, found him guilty of endeavouring to
excite disaffection amongst his regiment, and he was condemned to receive
_One Thousand Lashes_. He bore 200 lashes on the 30th; the remainder
were remitted.
-- July 25th, the Royal Circus, Grand Parade, opened by Mr. Brunton.
-- August 13th, Monday, Sham Fight on the Race Hill; present:--The Prince
of Wales, and the Dukes of York, Kent, Cumberland, Clarence, Sussex, and
Cambridge; and 30,000 spectators.
-- The Racket Court at the Cavalry Barracks erected by the Officers of the
10th Royal Hussars.
-- August 16th, benefit concert of Mr. Wright, proprietor of the Musical
Saloon, Prince's Street, at the Old Ship.
-- August 23rd, the first of the Brighton fishing boats, equipped as
gun-boats, 40 in number, made a successful experiment with her 18-pound
carronade.
-- October 20th, performance at Theatre in aid of the funds of the
Brighton Dispensary.
-- October 27th, Coates, better known as Romeo Coates, performed the part
of _Romeo_ at the Brighton Theatre.
1811.--January, in consequence of the flooded state of the London Road,
the coaches into Brighton were compelled to come by way of Preston Drove
and over the Church Hill.
-- Brighton Corn Market is held at the Old Ship Tavern.
1812.--February 5th, robbery of between 3,000 and 4,000 of the Brighton
Union Bank notes--Messrs. Brown, Hall, Lashmar, and West,--from Messrs.
Crossweller and Co's., Blue coach, between London and Brighton.
-- February 20th, the marriage of Isaac Bass to Sarah Glayzier, took place
at the Friends' Meeting House.
-- September 9th, upwards of 5,000 sheep and lambs were penned at Brighton
Fair, on the North Level. The farmers, graziers, and butchers dined at
the Old Ship Tavern.
-- September 10th, an Infirmary added to the Brighton Dispensary.
-- The Magistrates of Brighton held their first Petty Sessions, Mr.
Serjeant Runnington, Chairman.
1813.--March 7th, organ at St. Nicholas' church opened.
-- April 12th, five boats detained by the Custom-house officers for having
appurtenances for rowing more than four oars, contrary to the Act for the
prevention of smuggling.
-- April 15th, the salary of Mr Battcock, parish surgeon, raised from 80
to 100 per annum.
1813.--April 17th, Mr. Hope, afterwards Hope & Durtnall, and now Mr.
Durtnall, commenced business as Common Carrier.
-- May 25th, the tolls of Old Shoreham Bridge, were let by Auction by Mr
Attree, for 1,240 for the year.
-- July 5th, Brighton Auxiliary Bible Society instituted.
-- September 6th, the "Regent" Coach first ran from the Red Coach office,
10, Castle square. It upset at Merstham, on Sunday 12th, coming from
London.
-- October 1st, the High Constable appointed Receiver of Assize Returns of
Bread.
-- October 24th, Queen Charlotte paid her first visit to Brighton.
1815.--May 2nd, Martha Gunn died.
1817.--Mr T. R. Kemp's Chapel,--now Trinity,--built.
1818.--Two extra bells, making ten, placed in the tower of St. Nicholas'
Church.
1819.--January 25th, Shoreham new harbour opened.
1820.--Carriage road opened from West Street to Middle Street,
1821.--April 22nd, evening service commenced at the Old Church.
-- December 12th, Phoebe Hessell died, aged 108.
-- Lady Huntingdon's Chapel still further enlarged.
1822.--January 1st, the Pavilion Chapel, late the Assembly Room of the
Castle Tavern, and now St. Stephen's Church, Montpelier road,
consecrated.
-- April 15th, private Thomas Blamay, 2nd Foot, shot himself in the
barrack yard, Church Street.
-- The Western Esplanade commenced.
-- June, in consequence of the reduced price of malt, Mr. Chandler, North
Street Brewery, reduced the price of his table ale from 14d. to 1s.
-- July 11th, the Prince and Princess of Denmark arrived at the Steyne
Hotel, from Dover.
-- Present Workhouse built.
-- August, the Shoreham Road commenced from Hove Street to Kingston.
-- September 18th, the Chain Pier commenced.
-- At the monthly meeting of the Town Commissioners, Mr Frederic Cooper,
conjunctively with Mr Thomas Attree, was appointed the Clerk of the
Commissioners.
-- October, forty-two coaches were running daily between London and
Brighton.
-- November 1st, the bell at the Chapel Royal, to announce the time of
divine service, erected.
-- The magistrates removed their sittings from the Old Ship to the New
Inn, now the Clarence Hotel.
1823.-- April 9th, Messrs. Briggs and Knowles thrown over the Cliff and
killed.
-- May, the Castle Tavern, Castle Square, pulled down.
-- Brunswick Terrace and Square commenced.
-- The Royal Gardens (Ireland's,) formed.
-- Russell House, Old Steine, pulled down.
-- May, streets of Brighton first watered.
-- October 5th, Dr. Styles preached his farewell sermon at the Union
Street Chapel.
-- The National School for boys opened in the Lanes.
1823.--Brighton Savings' Bank opened in Middle Street.
-- June 3rd, Mr. T. Furner appointed Town Surveyor.
-- September 8th, Old Steine enclosed.
-- September 22nd, Post Office opened in East Street.
-- November, Chain Pier opened.
-- Infant Schools first established in Brighton.
1824.--Saturday, May 8th, first stone of St. Peter's Church laid by Dr.
Carr, Vicar.
-- Queen's Park and German Spa, Brighton, formed by Mr. Armstrong.
-- May 1st, Ireland's Gardens, Lewes Road, opened.
-- May 11th, Brighton Royal Catch and Glee Club (from the Golden Cross
Inn,) meet at Old Ship for the first time.
-- May 3rd, Old Steine first lighted with gas.
-- First steam packet to Dieppe, the _Swift_, 80 horse power, put on.
-- June 1st, Rev. J. N. Goulty appointed to Union Street Chapel.
-- Brighton first lighted with gas.
-- August 1st, Rev. H. M. Wagner entered on his duties as Vicar.
-- November 24th, violent storm, which did great damage to Chain Pier.
-- December 11th, first meeting (at Old Ship,) for establishing the County
Hospital.
-- December 26th, St. Margaret's Chapel opened.
1825.--February 7th, at a meeting at the Old Ship a resolution was passed
to construct an iron railway between Brighton and Shoreham.
-- Ebenezer Chapel opened.
-- June 22nd, Brighton Improvement Act passed.
-- September 27th, Mr. Amon Wilds elected Town Surveyor.
-- December 18th, Trinity Chapel opened by the Rev. R. Anderson.
-- St. Margaret's Chapel built.
-- German Spa, Queen's Park, established.
-- St. George's Chapel built.
-- Hanover Chapel built. Opened August 30th.
-- Salem Chapel, Bond Street, enlarged.
1826.--Road in front of York Hotel formed.
-- Foundation stone of County Hospital laid, March 16th.
-- Western Esplanade, opposite Regency square, formed.
-- The name, King's Road, applied to the Cliff roadway from East Street to
the extreme west of the town.
-- April 21st, Trinity Chapel consecrated.
1827.--January 18th, St. Mary's Chapel consecrated.
-- April 5th, Mr. N. Cooke, organist of the Parish Church, died.
1828.-- January 25th, St. Peter's Church consecrated.
-- June 12th, County Hospital opened.
-- October 11th, the statue of George IV., by Chantry, erected on the Old
Steyne.
-- October 29th, Musical festival at St. Peter's Church.
1829,--June 27th, Bethel Chapel (site of the present St. Paul's) West
Street, opened.
-- August 16th, Mr. W. Crossweller, coach proprietor, died.
-- November 20th, St. Peter's clock erected.
1830.--The Battery on the King's road rebuilt further to the south.
-- April, corner stone of Town Hall laid.
-- April 12th, Mr. Somers Clarke appointed Vestry Clerk.
-- April 15th, Brighton Police Force established, under Chief-Officer
Pilbeam.
-- August 30th, William IV. and his Queen (Adelaide) first visit Brighton.
-- National Schools opened.
-- First stone of the Town Hall laid by T. R. Kemp, Esq.
1831.-- Easter Monday, Road across the Steine opened.
-- July 16th, Celia Holloway murdered.
-- September 23rd, Post Office opened in the New Road.
-- October 20th, first stone of New Shoreham Bridge laid.
-- December 5th, Body of Hannah Hobbs found.
-- December 10th, Holloway executed at Horsham.
1832.-- Cattle Market opened on Church Hill.
-- August 6th, Sand Cause decision.
-- December 11th, First Brighton Election, Wigney and Faithfull returned.
1833.--May 12th, Fire at Wisden's, Western Road.
-- September 30th, the Antheum, Hove, fell.
-- October 15th, the Chain Pier partially destroyed during a terrific
gale.
-- Carriage road opened across the Steyne from Castle Square to St.
James's Street.
-- Rev. T. Trocke appointed to Chapel Royal.
1836.--November 29th, Great storm, which destroyed much of the platform of
the Chain Pier.
-- St. Mary's Hall, Eastern road, erected.
1837.--(5,598) Jews' Synagogue in Devonshire Place erected.
-- October 1st, James Botting, the Old Bailey Executioner, died at
Brighton, his native place.
-- October 4th, Her Majesty's first visit to Brighton.
-- December 25th, Great Snow storm.
1838.--January 15th, the Northern sewer commenced.
-- March 19th, London and Brighton Railway commenced.
-- April 26th, Christ Church consecrated.
-- May 28th, Swiss Gardens opened.
1839.--February 4th, first permanent rail on the London and Brighton
Railway laid at Hassock's Gate, by Mr. Alfred Morris.
1840.--February 18th, Upfold, stage coachman killed.
-- May 11th, Railway to Shoreham opened.
-- June 9th, Rev. J. Allen appointed chaplain of the Workhouse.
-- July 14th, Court of Requests opened.
-- August 1st, Crim. Con. trial, Heaviside _v._ Lardner, at Lewes, damages
8,000.
-- Court Martial at Cavalry Barracks, on Capt. R. A. Reynolds, 11th
Hussars, who was cashiered.
1841.--June 30th, Pechell and Wigney elected.
1841.--July 5th, line opened to Hayward's Heath.
-- September 21st, Railway opened from Brighton to London.
1842.--May 5th, Lord Alfred Hervey first elected for Brighton.
1844.--February 1st, experiment of Bude Light on the Old Steine.
-- March 13th, Mr. Solomon, Chief-Officer of Police murdered.
-- Lawrence executed for the murder of Mr. Solomon.
1845.--The Level planted with trees.
-- May 17th, first stone of the Viaduct over the London Road laid.
-- November 24th, Railway opened to Worthing.
1846.--May 25th, Fountain on the Steine opened.
-- King's Road widened from West street to the Battery.
-- June 8th, Railway opened to Chichester.
-- June 8th, Railway opened to Lewes.
-- June 27th, Railway opened to Hastings.
-- July 12th, last Lewes coach ran.
-- August 23rd, Jenny Lind, sung at Brighton.
-- November 10th, Eye Infirmary opened.
1847.--March 5th, Mr. Maynard appointed Parish Assessor.
-- General fast, on account of the famine.
-- April 16th, first County Court held.
-- June 14th, Line opened to Portsmouth.
-- July 31st, Pechell and Harvey re-elected.
-- December 6th, Railway opened to Newhaven.
1848.--June 27th, the first stone of Brighton College laid by Dr. Gilbert,
Lord Bishop of Chichester.
-- July 1st, the clock is removed from the clock tower of the Pavilion.
-- The new Post Office in Ship Sheet erected.
-- October 18th, St. Paul's opened by license.
-- October 23rd, Mechanics' Institution inaugurated.
1849.--February 7th, Mr Griffith murdered.
-- July 28th, Race Stand purchased.
-- August 10th, Mr. Hatton appointed Actuary of the Savings' Bank.
-- September 21st, St. Mark's Church consecrated.
-- November 3rd, Mr. F. Slight appointed Secretary to the London,
Brighton, and South-Coast Railway Company.
-- Royal Pavilion property purchased by the town for 53,000.
-- Post Office opened in Ship Street.
1850.--June 19th, the Town took possession of the Pavilion.
-- June 23rd, Sunday labour discontinued at the Post Office.
-- June 28th, Pavilion Grounds first opened to the public.
-- July 17th, great storm, Pool Valley, &c., flooded.
-- November 27th, first interment in the Extra Mural Cemetery.
-- November 19th, violent storm. Two houses blown down near the Wick.
-- December 30th, first Pavilion rate made.
1851.--January 21st, opening Ball at the Pavilion.
-- May 15th, south portion of the Pavilion property sold for 1722.
-- Electric Telegraph opened to Brighton.
-- August 11th, first fete of the Mechanics' Institution at the Swiss
Gardens, Shoreham.
-- August 14th, consecration of the Brighton Extra Mural Cemetery, by the
Bishop of Chichester.
-- The Mantellian Academy of Science opened.
1852.--September 4th, fire at P. Salomons, Esq., Brunswick Terrace.
-- September 29th, fire at Bickford's King's Road.
-- November 8th, Mr. Furse's shop, North Street, robbed of 400 worth of
jewellery, &c.
1853.--February 3rd, burglar shot at Shoreham.
-- March 6th, Caroline Sherwood murdered her child, at Hove.
-- March 17th, explosion at the Railway Terminus, three men killed.
-- April 1st, Messrs. Black and Foakes appointed Assessors.
-- May 16th, First stone of Female Orphan Asylum laid.
-- August 14th, Rev. F. W. Robertson died.
-- December 21st, Mr. George White appointed Chief-Officer of Police.
1854.--April 3rd, Charter of Incorporation obtained.
-- April 8th, Parish Church restored and re-opened.
-- June 7th, Major Fawcett elected first Mayor of Brighton.
-- August 28th, Mr. and Mrs. Passmore appointed Governor and Matron of the
Workhouse.
-- November 1st, Preston toll-gate removed.
1855.-- July 9th, East Grinstead line opened.
-- July 10th, Gregory's house, North Street, fell.
-- July 19th, Mr. Lewis Slight, jun., elected Borough Accountant.
-- July 22nd, Mr. Hannington died, in his 71st year.
1856.--March 28th, Brighton Protestant Association formed.
-- June 4th, Peace Demonstration at Brighton.
-- July 29th, fire at Stubbs's, Trafalgar Street.
-- September, fire at Funnell's, chemist, Upper North Street.
-- December 2nd, Tractarian defeat at the Town Hall.
1857.--April 7th, Dodson and Pevensey returned for East Sussex.
-- June 25th, Brown, the Sussex cricketer, died.
-- October 7th, Day of Humiliation for the Massacres in India.
-- October 8th, Wreck of the "Pilgrim."
-- November 3rd, Music Hall, Edward street, destroyed by fire, second
time.
-- November 18th, Anti-Tractarian Demonstration and Riots at Lewes.
-- Mr. Isaac Tester died, aged 54.
-- December 22nd, consecration of the Parochial Burial Ground.
1860.--Sir G. B. Pechell, M.P. for Brighton, died.
-- Great storm, wreck of the "Transit" and "Atlantique" off Brighton.
-- Mr. James White returned as a Member for Brighton.
1861.--Easter Monday, Volunteer Review on the Downs, under Lord Ranelagh.
-- August 25th, frightful railway collision in Clayton Tunnel, twenty-one
persons killed.
1862.--Easter Monday, Volunteer Review on the Race Hill, under Lord Clyde.
1862.--John O'Dea, a private of the 18th Hussars, shot in the Barrack
yard, Church Street, by Private John Flood, of the same regiment. Flood
was tried at the County Assizes and condemned to be hanged, bus the
capital sentence was ultimately commuted to penal servitude for life.
-- Water found in the Warren Farm Well.
-- Temporary Church of St. Mary Magdalene erected and opened in Broad
street.
-- October, Police Station built on the Level.
-- November 5th, the author of this work died suddenly in his 52nd year.
-- November 27th, first Brighton and Sussex Fat-Stock Show hold.
-- December 12th, Mr. Lewis Slight, jun., Borough Accountant, committed
suicide by hanging.
FOOTNOTES
{1} Temple Sydney's History of England, published 1772, at Shakespear's
Head, No. 17, Paternoster Row, London.
{2} 4. Jac--Sir Edward Bellinghani held freely to himself and his heirs
lands and tenements in Aldrington, as of the Manor of
Atlingworth.--_Rowe's M.S._, p. 156.--6. Hen. 6. De quarta parte feod.
milit. in Athelyngworth in Hundr. de Fyshergate dicunt quod sit in manu
Prioris de Lewes et est dec.--_Ing. capt. ap. Lewes_, 6 _Hen._ 6.
{6} In April, 1822, a large molar tooth of the Asiatic elephant was
discovered in Lower Rock gardens, in a well fifty feet deep; and four
very fine and perfect ones were dug up by the workmen employed on the
foundation of the walls for the esplanade, at the Chain Pier, in 1831.
{7a} I have (says Mantell) specimens of the teeth, found in a well fifty
yards inland, at the depth of forty-six feet, in the _Coombe Rock_, and
immediately above the bed of shingle.
{7b} "Some wells at Tetney (a village on the coast of Lincolnshire) that
are sunk in the chalk, are also affected by the tide; the wells
overflowing with a greater flux at the time of high water, and
particularly at spring tides; showing that the water in the chalk
communicates with the sea."--_Geolog. Trans_. vol. iii. p. 394.
{9} Clark on Climate, p. 219.
{10} The "Climate of Brighton," by William Kebbell, M.D., Physician to
the Sussex County Hospital.
{11} The harbour's new mouth was opened on the 25th of January, 1819.
{20} The Weald of Sussex is an extensive vale that occupies the centre
of the south-eastern part of the county, and, running parallel with the
Downs, forms their northern boundary. It was anciently an immense forest
(called by the earlier colonists, _Coid Andred_, by the Romans _Silva
Anderida_, and by the Saxons _Andreadswald_), which, even in the time of
Bede, was a mere retreat for deer and swine: the greater part is now in
an excellent state of cultivation. It consists of various beds of clay,
sand, and limestone, and is comparatively of low elevation; its breadth
is from five to ten miles, and its length from thirty to forty miles; it
is estimated to contain 425,000 acres. The surface is intersected by
numerous valleys, which generally occur at the outcrop or basseting edges
of the harder strata, and form channels for the numerous streams that are
tributary to the rivers in their vicinity. The whole tract rises with a
gradual sweep from the foot of the Downs, and unites with the higher
lands of the Forest Ridge.
{21} The Burrell Manuscripts were compiled by Sir William Burrell, a
great antiquarian, who for many years spared neither attention nor
expense in collecting and arranging the materials for preparing the
antiquities of Sussex; and the county looked for their completion with
the utmost solicitude. The death of the worthy Baronet, unfortunately,
rendered it incomplete, and the ten folio volumes of his rare and scarce
manuscripts were deposited in the British Museum. A tablet, by Flaxman,
to the memory of Sir William, adorns the wall of Cuckfield church.
{23} To commemorate his appointment he had small copper tokens cast,
with "John Brooker, 1660," on them, and "Brighthelmston, J. B.," on the
obverse. A specimen, of this coin, in the possession of the compiler of
this book, is in an excellent state of preservation.
{24} In the Town Book the same name appears written Wigram and Wiggram.
{25} _Anno_ 13 and 14 _Caroli_ II., cap. 12, sec. "XV. And whereas the
Laws and Statutes for the apprehending of Rogues and Vagabonds have not
been duly executed, sometimes for want of Officers, by reason of Lords of
Manors do not keep Court-Leets every year for the making of them: Be it
therefore enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That in case any Constable,
Headborough, or Tythingmen shall dye or go out of the Parish, any two
Justices of the Peace may make and swear a new Constable, Headborough, or
Tythingman, until the said Lord shall hold a Court, or until next Quarter
Sessions, who shall approve of the said Officers so made and sworn as
aforesaid, or appoint others, as they shall think fit: And if any Officer
shall continue above a year in his or their Office, that then in such
case the Justices of Peace in their Quarter Sessions may discharge such
Officers, and may put another fit person in his or their place, until the
Lord of the said Manor shall hold a Court as aforesaid."
{26} Veteres Rotuli Curi.
{28} The first Town Book, or _Costumal of Brighthelmston_. In
transcribing this book, the spelling is modernized.
{30a} _Heak_ is still used in _Yorkshire_ for a certain net used in the
river _Ouse_.
{30b} _Moxes_ we may suppose to be a corruption from the Dutch word
_maeschen_, mashes, and _fare_ from _fahre_, in the same language.
Indeed, most of the other technical words in the Town Books are derived
from the Teutonic, and were apparently introduced by the Flemish
emigrants who are supposed to have settled at Brighthelmston.
{30c} Cock, from the Teutonic _cogge_, a small boat.
{39} Second Town Book, or Costumal of _Brighthelmston_.
{40} This was a larger contribution than the landmen had been used to
make.
{46} Furlong, or Fortylong, from the French _quarante_, forty, a measure
of forty perches.
{47} Part of this furlong was lost by the sea.
{48a} Set off in February 1765: 22a. 1r. 27p.
{48b} Set off in February 1773: 24a. 3r. 16p.
{48c} Set off in February 1773: 24a. 3r. 26p.
{48d} In the book 262 is written to cover both "Third Furlong" and
"Shepherd's Acre". It's unclear whether this means they add up to 262,
or that they are both 262.--DP.
{53} _Anno_ 18, _Elizabeth_, cap. 3. sec. 3.--And be it also enacted,
That if the said Justices of Peace do perceive, that the Inhabitants of
any Parish are not able to levy among themselves sufficient Sums of Money
for the Purposes aforesaid; that then the said Two Justices shall and may
tax, rate, and assess, as aforesaid, any other of other Parishes, or out
of any Parish within the Hundred where the said Parish is, to pay such
Sum and Sums of Money to the Churchwardens and Overseers of the said poor
Parish for the said purposes, as the said Justices shall think fit,
according to the Intention of this Law.
{65} See quarter share in "Ancient Customs," page 34.
{67} This was the storm which destroyed the Eddyston lighthouse.
{69} Paul Dunvan, the author of "Lee's History of Lewes and
Brighthelmstone," published in 1795, was for some time an usher in the
Lewes Grammar School.
{73a} See foot-note, page 47.
{73b} Godwin's Rental of Brighthelmston Manor, made in 1665, _penes
Carolum Gilbert de Lewes Armis_.
{76} Henry Hilton, who was commonly called Baron Hilton, is evidently
meant. He died in the year 1648; and in the Town Book is the following
memorandum, in reference to the charity:--"Octr. 18th, 1704. Direction
how to writ to Baron John Hylton, living at Hylton Castle, by way off
Durham, to be left at the post office in Sunderland by Sea."
{78a} Over the front door of this house was a well painted
representation of a Ship in Distress, beneath which was the following
couplet:--
"By danger we're encompass'd round;
Pray, lend a hand, our ship's aground."
It may here be added that formerly, throughout the town, the public
houses had illustrated signs and poetic effusions. Thus the "Bell," in
Russell Street, now the "Nelson," had for its sign, an inverted bell, and
the annexed inscription:--
"Good liquor here is to be found;
The Bell for luck's turn'd upside down."
{78b} Day, in the Brighton vernacular, is pronounced dee; hence the
rhyme is preserved.
{85} "This manor belonged to the Priory of Lewes, and at the
dissolution, 29 Hen. VIII., was granted to Sir Thomas Lord Cromwell, as
also the rectory, with the advowson of the vicarage."--Burrell MSS.
{89} _Vide_, Quarter-Share, page 34.
{90} Mr. Wagner, the father of the present Vicar, and son-in-law to the
Rev. Henry Michell, (Vicar), died at his house in Pall-Mall, London, on
Sunday the 17th of February, 1811.
{91a} This organ is now stowed away as lumber, in one of the rooms of
the Royal Pavilion.
{91b} Although, to many persons, the thus associating of a public-house
with the parish church may be considered somewhat out of character, the
annexed copy of manuscripts in the possession of the writer of this book,
will not only convince them that there is in some measure an affinity,
but it will in a degree stagger modern advocates of temperance, not so
much that men of the dates recorded indulged in their potations, but that
the Vestry Meetings of the time permitted the expenditure out of the
Church-rates. Copy:--
"White Hart, Russell Street, Brighton.
1824. The Honourable Churchwardens of Brighton.
To Phinehas Jupp.
s. d.
March 25th.--61 Pots of Beer 1 10 6
1 Pint do. 0 0 3
June 25th.--74 Pots of Beer 1 17 0
Sept. 29th.--89 Pots of Beer 2 4 6
Decr. 25th.--82 Pots of Beer 2 1 0
7 13 3
Jany. 21, 1825.
Received of the Churchwardens, the sum of seven pounds 13s 3d, as per
bill, for Beer for workmen at the Parish Church.
7 13s 3d. Phinehas Jupp."
Whether the recipients were permitted to indulge in their libations. _ad
libitum_, is not on record.
{93} A Narrative of Transactions relative to a Sermon preached in the
Parish Church of Brighton, August 18th, 1793, by Vicesimus Knox, D.D.
London: Printed for C. Dilly, in the Poultry, 1794.
{95} In a note, the Doctor says:--"I have since been informed, that in
some pews, where a few of the military and their acquaintance were
seated, impatience was shewn by such whisperings as this: 'Will the
fellow never have done?' A titter was also affected to conceal the
choleric affections; and fans played with motions as rapid as the tail of
an angry cat. But I was unconscious of these symptoms of stifled rage."
{109} Ancient name of Newhaven.
{110a} The rock is still there, and is well known to mariners.
{110b} A tradition is still held by the old inhabitants that a galley is
seen here in the offing before a storm.
{115} A criminal information was moved in the Court of King's Bench,
against the publisher of the _Brighton Herald_, Mr. William Fleet, for
having, pending the investigation before the Coroner, published certain
matters which, it was alleged, tended to create a prejudice against
Messrs. Williams and White. Lord Ellenborough observed, that the Court
felt itself bound in point of law to grant the rule, but thought it would
be advisable for the parties to stay where they were, and not carry the
proceedings farther. His lordship expressed a wish that peace and
harmony might be restored to a town in which so much division appeared to
exist. All parties concerned in the indiscreet affair were severely
lampooned in a poem called the "Battle of the Tar Tub," very few copies
of which are extant.
{118a} The first spot ever set apart as a sacred burial-place,--namely,
the field of Ephron, bought by the patriarch Abraham,--was planted round
about with trees:--"The field and the cave that was therein, and all the
trees that were in the field, and in the borders round about, were made
sure unto Abraham for a possession."--_Genesis_ xxiii., 17.
{118b} By reference to the signatures of the principal inhabitants to
the "Auncient Customs," Page 37, it will be seen that this is the
orthography of the name, as written by the son of the martyr. And it is
fair to presume that at the time of his signature, 1580, he was a person
of no mean importance, and had a vanity that his name should be correctly
spelt, as he is the only person who inscribed to the document, that
prefixed _Mr._ to his signature. Fox writes it Derrick. The breweries
established next after Carver's, were the Ship Street Brewery, by
Wichelo, known in modern times as Wigney's Brewery, now no longer in
existence; and West Street Brewery, by Mighell, now the extensive
establishment of Messrs. Vallance & Catt.
{122} This is erased by a mark of the pen being passed through it, in
the original.
{126} Probably Steyning is here meant.
{130} Colonel Phillips went for Charles on Sunday, 12th October; they
started on the 13th, and remained at Hambledon the night of the 13th. On
the night of the 14th they slept at the George Inn (King's Head)
Brighton, from whence they departed at 2 a.m. on the 15th, arriving at
Fechamp at 10 p.m. of that day.
{134} An abstract of the Sufferings of the People called Quakers, for
the Testimony of a Good Conscience. London: The Bible, George Yard,
Lombard Street, 1733.
{137} The Corporation and Test Act which prohibited a Non-Conformist
taking any Civil or Military office, was repealed May 8th, 1828.
{138} Crosby's History of the English Baptists.
{181} We have to record this week the death of, we believe, the oldest
inhabitant of Brighton, Mrs. Ackerson, who had reached her 97th year.
She was the widow of the late Mr. Robert Ackerson, who filled the offices
of High Constable, Overseer, Churchwarden, and Parish Assessor of
Brighton. When Royalty smiled on this little fishing village, the not
least important of the Brighton fair was the wife of Bob Ackerson, whose
merits were prominently blazoned by one who loved the comforts of the
world,--no less a personage than Johnny Townshend, the celebrated
Bow-street runner, who lived, during the residence of the Prince in
Brighton, with the old Brightonian, at the corner of Duke Street, West
Street, where Royalty itself was wont to take a luncheon. Cribbage was
ever a favourite game with her, and till within a few months of her death
her knowledge and play were as acute as ever. She read much: the Bible,
the Book of Common Prayer, and the Sermons of the Rev. J. S. M. Anderson
being her universal favourites. It is worthy of record that she was a
twin, the other infant, a boy, surviving but a few hours. She was
childless; yet many an orphan will long revere her memory. Nearly up to
the close of her long life Mrs. Ackerson was in possession of her
faculties; her hearing was not greatly impaired; her eye-sight was what
would be considered, for persons many years her junior, good; and her
recollection was astonishing. She delighted to hold converse with
persons who taxed her memory, and would relate the reminiscences of her
youthful days with much glee. She loved to talk of her old associations
in the early years of George IV.; and would do so with all the freshness
of a person in the prime of life. She was a remarkably fine woman, and
her carriage was almost as erect just before she died as it had ever
been. Perhaps so noble and firm a pattern of old age has scarcely been
witnessed. During the last few years of her life she had resided with
her nephew, Mr. J. A. Erredge, on the London Road, to whose family she
was much attached. We understand that she retained her recollection and
composure to the last, and died most tranquilly.--_Brighton Herald_, Feb.
10th, 1855.
Her baptism is thus recorded in the parish register of Pyecombe, Sussex,
the village in which she was horn:--December 26, 1758: Baptised Richard
and Jane, children of Robert Marchant and Sarah his Wife.
{200} Mr. Bew, who afterwards lived in East Street, was dentist to
George IV., and, in conjunction with Mr. Frederick Vining, lessee of the
Theatre Royal Brighton.
{214} A copy of the bill of the performance on this occasion is in the
possession of Alderman Martin.
{218} By Francis Grose, Esq., F. A. S. London: Printed for S. Hooper,
No. 25, Ludgate Hill, 1775.--(Imp. 4to.)
{221} Castle Square and Little Castle Square.
{222} Vicar of Boldre near Lymington. The book published by his
trustees for the benefit of his school at Boldre, and printed by T.
Cadell and W. Davies, Strand, London, 1804. Imp, 8 vo. 136 pp.
{223} Mrs. Hill's "Apology," for having been induced, by particular
desire, and the most specious allurements that could tempt female
weakness, to appear in the character of Scrub, Beau Strategem, for one
night only, at Brighthelmston, last year, 1786, when the Theatre was
applied for by the Honourable George Hanger, and engaged for that
purpose; with an address to Mrs. Fitzherbert. Also, some of Mrs. Hill's
letters to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Mrs. Fitzherbert, and
others. The denouement with events and remarks that may not be deemed
uninteresting to this nation at large. By Mrs. Hill.
{241} A Rural Ramble to Brighthelmstone, &c. Printed for R. Thomas,
Brighthelmstone.
{249} The year when the first Census was taken.
{257} Master of the Household to His Royal Highness. His appointment to
that office arose from the singular circumstance of the Prince enquiring
of Colonel Slade if he knew of any gentleman who played the violoncello?
The Colonel replied, that he knew only of Captain Bloomfield of the
Artillery. "Bring him here to dinner," said His Highness, "and tell him
to bring his violoncello, and we'll play something." The Captain
attended, and pleased the Prince, who desired him to call upon him the
next day. He attended at the Pavilion accordingly and soon gained such
favour as to obtain the confidence of the Prince. He was first made Sir
Benjamin, and afterwards Lord Bloomfield.
{260} Appointed to the Regency, February 5th, 1811.
{261a} Lade was in receipt of an annual pension of 100, as driving
tutor to His Royal Highness. His wife, Lady Lade, who was born in
Luckner's Lane, St. Giles's, London, was one of the most abandoned women
of the Court. She was for some time the mistress of the notorious
malefactor John Rann, known as "Sixteen Stringed Jack," who expiated his
crime upon the scaffold, at Tyburn. The Duke of York then took her under
his protection, and he transferred her by marriage, to Sir John Lade.
Such was the style of language of this infamous woman, that when the
Prince of Wales wanted an object of comparison in the vulgar practice of
swearing, he was universally accustomed to say, "He swears like Letitia
Lade." Some of the descendants of Sir John are still living, and reside
at Ovingdean.
{261b} The Life, Adventures, and Opinions of Col. George Hanger, written
by himself. Two volumes, 8vo. London: Printed for J. Debrett,
Piccadilly, 1801.
{264} The Observant Pedestrian Mounted, or a Donkey Tour to Brighton, a
Comic Sentimental Novel, in three volumes. London: W. Simpkin and R.
Marshall, 1816.
{266} Born Mary Anne Smythe (daughter of Walter Smythe, Esq., of
Bambridge, in the county of Hants), she was first married to Edward Weld,
Esq., of Lulworth Castle, Dorsetshire; secondly to Thomas Fitzherbert,
Esq., of Swinnerton, Staffordshire. She was a second time a widow,
living on a handsome jointure, and greatly admired in society on account
of her beauty and accomplishments.
{271} War at Brighton, or the Battle of The Tar Tub, a short November
Tale. By Thomas Herbert. London: John Rowe, Cornhill.
{272a} The dinner took place at the Dolphin, now the Queen's Hotel.
{272b} Williams, of the Royal Baths, High Constable.
{272c} White, Castle Square.
{273} Serjeant Runnington, chairman of the Brighton Bench of
Magistrates.
{313} Contiguous was a headstone, whereon was the epitaph:--
She in affliction bore a son,
The milk forsook her breast,
Her legs they mortified and run,
But hope she's now at rest.
{315} If the ships should discontinue to run on the beach, and go into
Shoreham Harbour or Newhaven, the Breakwater may be dispensed with, which
will save 3,000.
{325a} The sale is by "Dutch Auction,"--doubtless introduced by the
Flemings,--the salesman offering his several lots at whatever price he
chooses, reducing it till a buyer says "have 'em," when the name of the
purchaser, and the price, are entered in the salesman's book, and the
fish are immediately transferred, but the payment is made after the
business of selling is over. No sales are allowed to take place before
six o'clock in the morning, when the market is opened by the ringing of a
bell.
{325b} In "Yarrell's History of British Fishes," mention is made that in
May, 1807, the first Brighton boat-load of mackarel sold at Billingsgate
for forty guineas per hundred--7s. each, reckoning six score to the
hundred; the highest price ever known in that market.
{325c} The Lord of the Manor of Brighthelmston, by his reeve, is
entitled to the claim of the six finest mackarel from each boat, on its
landing. A few years since some of the fishermen disputed this right,
but the Magistrates, on the appeal of the reeve, Mr James Henry Mills,
acknowledged and enforced the right.
{337} London: Printed for Fielding and Walker, Paternoster Row; E,
Widgett, Brighthelmston; and W. Lee, Printer, Lewes, 1779.
{353} Two volumes, folio, London, 1747.
{364} Lady Selina Shirley, born 1717, married to Theophilus Earl of
Huntingdon, 3rd June, 1738, and died in 1799, aged 82.
{365} An interesting circumstance was recorded in the census of 1851; it
was said there, concerning North Street Chapel, that it was a building
capable of holding a thousand people, but there were present on the
morning of the census eleven hundred.