The Walk

Virtual walk Page 1/5

Where in Brighton did Charlie Chaplin stand and wave to locals? Why did the Prince Regent's nose fall off, and where was the pier that disappeared? The answers are in the Kingscliffe Society's fascinating historical walk Discover Kingscliffe.
Our one-hour trail takes the walker around the streets to the east of the Old Steine, pointing out beautiful Georgian buildings and the homes of stars like the legendary Laurence Olivier.
The guide is available free from Brighton Tourist Information Centre, hotels, or by calling (01273) 694240. But why not take our virtual tour and Discover Kingscliffe right now ?

How it works :
Each page of the Discover Kingscliffe walk is headed with a map indicating the area being 'walked'. Along the way, historical buildings, streets and places of interest are outlined. To walk to the next area, click the button to continue. To return to the previous area, click the button to go backwards.

Enjoy the walk!

INTRODUCTION: THE ROYAL RESORT

The streets to the east of the Palace Pier sprang up between the 1780s and 1870s as the fishing town of Brighthelmstone, or Brighton, exploded in popularity into Europe's most fashionable seaside resort.

The wealthy flocked to spend the 'season' promenading, going to balls and meeting their society friends. Many came to bathe in and drink the sea water, which they believed cured a whole range of ailments from arthritis and melancholia to abscesses and tumours. Others merely enjoyed the sea air, said to give 'health, spirits and a ravenous appetite'.

By 1783, Brighton had caught the eye of the fun-loving Prince of Wales - nicknamed Prinny - who later became George IV.

George was a drinker and gambler but also a fashionable man of taste. He arrived not long after his 21st birthday and was delighted with the place. He returned again and again and built himself a wildly exotic and ruinously expensive holiday home, the Royal Pavilion.

Suddenly Brighton, which had just six principal streets, was bursting at the seams. Its population rocketed from 3,500 in 1780 to more than 40,500 in 1831. The eastern area, rising to 80ft above the sea, was regarded as a particularly bracing and healthy place to live.

Originally known as East Cliffe, it was re-named King's Cliffe in 1908 to mark a visit by Edward VII. Today it is a colourful district, rich in heritage, with 381 listed buildings.