Brighton social history

From sleepy fishing village to bustling metropolis and famous seaside destination, the social history of Brighton is a classic coming-of-age tale.

Prince George and Brighton Regency History

A key turning point in Brighton's social history ocurred when Prince George - later to become Prince Regent and then George IV - decided to make his home in the city in 1783. As a result, Brighton's popularity soared and the seeds were sown for Brighton becoming a fashionable seaside destination

The town underwent an amazing transformation and many of the city's famous Regency squares and crescents were built and the Royal Pavilion was transformed into an extravagant palace, concreting the building as one of the key elements in the colourful architectural history of Brighton.

Brighton and Hove Historical Timeline

To find out more about the history of Brighton and Hove, check out our Brighton Historical Timeline.

Or if you're intereted in Regency history and architecture take a look at our Brighton architecture page. 

Want to know about local Brighton history?

If you want to find out more about social and local history in Brighton, try one of these:

• My Brighton and Hove - an award winning and richly informative website, My Brighton and Hove offers a living history of Brighton. Through the site, people share their memories, photos, knowledge and opinions about the city - as it is today and as it was in the past.
• Brighton Jubilee Library Social History Centre - Brighton History Centre holds an extensive range of material belonging to Brighton & Hove City Council's Museums & Libraries, available for the study of Brighton's history and culture, both past and present.
• Brighton Museum and Art Gallery - the Exploring Brighton Gallery at Brighton Museum  explores the realities of life in Brighton, including health, housing, religious and civic life, sports and social life.
• Hove Museum - the fascinating Film Gallery at Hove Museum explores the important contribution Brighton & Hove played in early cinema.
• Brighton Fishing Museum - offers a fascinating account of the fishing industry and beach leisure trade of Brighton.
• Blue Plaques - look out for the many Blue Plaques dotted around the city, which show where famous Brighton residents have lived and worked. From the arts world of  Laurence Olivier and Aubrey Beardsley to the the regal world of William IV, Brighton has quite a history of famous residents and visitors.