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.