Timeline of Brighton facts for kids

Brighton is a vibrant city located on the south coast of England. It's famous for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich history. Over the centuries, Brighton has transformed from a small fishing village into a popular seaside resort and a modern city. Let's explore some of the key moments that shaped Brighton into what it is today.

Early Days: The 18th Century

The 18th century was a time of big changes for Brighton, then known as Brighthelmstone. It started to become a popular place for health and relaxation.

Sea Water for Health

• 1730s: A doctor named Richard Russell began telling his patients to use seawater for their health. This made Brighthelmstone famous as a place to visit for its healing waters.

Royal Visits and New Buildings

• 1771: Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn, who was King George III's brother, visited Brighton. This helped make the town even more popular with important people.
• 1786: George, Prince of Wales, who would later become King George IV, rented a farmhouse in Brighton. He loved the town so much!
• 1787: The Prince of Wales started building the amazing Royal Pavilion. This grand palace became a symbol of Brighton's growing fame.

Growth and Change: The 19th Century

The 19th century saw Brighton grow even more, with new buildings, transport, and important events.

Brighton's Chain Pier, Sussex's earliest pier, was built in 1823. Painting Chain Pier, Brighton by John Constable, 1827

New Piers and Hospitals

• 1823: Brighton's very first pier, called the Chain Pier, was built. Piers are long structures that stretch out into the sea, often used for walking or entertainment.
• 1828: The Sussex County Hospital opened its doors in Brighton. This was a big step for healthcare in the area.

Important People and New Connections

• 1837: Maria Fitzherbert, who was a close friend of the future King George IV of the United Kingdom, passed away at her home in Brighton.
• 1839: The Sussex County Cricket Club was formed. This was the very first county cricket club ever!
• 1840: The first railway line in Sussex opened, connecting Brighton to Shoreham. This made it much easier for people to travel to and from Brighton.

Modern Times: The 20th Century

The 20th century brought many significant events to Brighton, from social changes to major world events.

Social Unrest and War

• 1926: During a big strike across the UK, there were some angry clashes in Brighton known as the Battle of Lewes Road.
• 1940: German air raids, called the Brighton Blitz, began hitting Brighton during World War II.
• 1945: VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe, bringing peace back to Brighton and the rest of the continent.

Education and Culture Flourish

• 1961: The University of Sussex was officially started. It was the first university in Brighton and Sussex, offering higher education to many students.
• 1967: The first ever Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe events were held. These festivals celebrate arts and culture, bringing many performances and shows to the city.

Steps Towards Equality and Global Events

• 1972: The Sussex Gay Liberation Front held a demonstration to support gay rights. This event was an early step towards the annual Brighton Pride celebration we know today.
• 1974: Brighton hosted the 19th Eurovision Song Contest at the Brighton Dome. Sweden's ABBA famously won with their song Waterloo!
• 1982: An important meeting about whaling took place in Brighton. Delegates voted to stop commercial whaling, which was a big win for protecting whales.
• 1984: There was an attack at a hotel in Brighton, aimed at the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This event, known as the Brighton hotel bombing, was a serious moment in British history.

The New Millennium: The 21st Century

The 21st century has seen Brighton continue to evolve, with new environmental efforts and royal visits.

City Status and Nature Protection

• 2000: Brighton and Hove was officially granted city status. This was a proud moment for the area.
• 2011: The South Downs National Park became fully operational. This park helps protect the beautiful natural landscapes around Brighton.
• 2014: UNESCO named an area near Brighton as the Brighton and Lewes Downs Biosphere Reserve. This means it's a special place where people and nature live together in harmony.

Modern Developments and Challenges

• 2018: The Rampion Wind Farm started working. This wind farm off the coast helps create clean energy for many homes.
• 2018: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first official visit to Brighton as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
• 2020: The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Brighton, marking the beginning of a challenging time for the city and the world.
• 2021: A new law was announced to stop certain types of fishing off the Sussex coast. This law aims to help the rewilding and growth of the amazing kelp forest underwater.