Brighton & Hove through the ages

From early habitation, through to present day - enjoy this interactive timeline of Brighton through the ages, complete with videos and imagery
By Benedict Adam
2016
The Brighton wheel taken down – replaced by i360
Brighton i360

After five years on the seafront, the Brighton Wheel is dismantled, to be replaced by the i360. In July 2014, the official ‘groundbreaking’ took place and construction of the i360 officially started. The finished erection was completed in Summer 2016, with grand opening in September 2016.  

2011
Brighton & Hove population 273,369

As of the 2011 census, Brighton & Hove is officially England’s most populous seaside resort, with a population of 273,400.

The Brighton Wheel is built
The Brighton Wheel is built

The Brighton Wheel, also known during its planning and construction phase as ‘The Brighton O’ and ‘The Wheel of Excellence, was a transportable Ferris wheel installation, which operated from October 2011 until May 2016 on the seafront in Brighton, part of the English city of Brighton and Hove. Situated below

Opening of Brighton & Hove Albion FC Amex stadium
Amex Community Stadium Brighton

Home of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, The Amex stadium officially opened on 30 July 2011, hosting a friendly match against then-Brighton manager Gus Poyet’s old club Tottenham Hotspur, the home-side narrowly losing 3–2. The first competitive match was held on 6 August 2011, when Brighton beat Doncaster Rovers 2–1,

2003
West Pier burns down
West Pier burns down

In December 2002, the pier partially collapsed during a storm, when a walkway connecting the concert hall and pavilion fell into the sea. The following month, the concert hall in the middle of the pier fell over, leaving the entire structure close to total collapse. On 28 March 2003 the

2000
Brighton and Hove is made a city

The switch from town to city is seen as such an accolade, it was reserved for only 17 towns in the previous century (20th). In 2000, Brighton & Hove, Inverness and Wolverhampton were awarded city status, to mark the Millennium.

1997
Goldstone Ground demolished
The Goldstone Ground Brighton

The ground was sold by the board, who were trying to clear the club’s mounting debts in an attempt to avoid bankruptcy, although no alternative football ground had been lined up, and without consulting the fans. The then chairman, Bill Archer, aimed to profit from the sale of the lucrative

1994
IRA bomb found and detonated in controlled explosion near Brighton Palace Pier

A bomb planted by the IRA near the pier in 1994 was defused by a controlled explosion.

1988
Marina cinema complex completed

A 1600 space multi storey car park and cinema complex was completed in 1988.

1984
12th October 1984 – IRA bomb explodes at Brighton’s Grand Hotel
12th October 1984 – IRA bomb explodes at Brighton’s Grand Hotel

The IRA carried out its most audacious attack on this day in 1984 – bombing the Grand Hotel in Brighton in an attempt to wipe out Margaret Thatcher and her government. The IRA hatched its plan to assassinate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – who they blamed for the death of

Sources: For a full list of references used in the creation of this piece of content, please click here

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What is the Adur Recovery Project?

The Adur Recovery Project is a community-driven initiative aimed at restoring and preserving the River Adur and its surrounding habitats. From addressing pollution to enhancing biodiversity, the project brings together volunteers, experts and organisations to ensure the river thrives for generations to come. My role as a riverfly monitor is just one small part of this collaborative effort.

What is The Riverfly Partnership?

The Riverfly Partnership is a nationwide network dedicated to protecting river ecosystems. Through their Riverfly Monitoring Initiative, they empower volunteers to monitor and report on water quality, helping to build a clearer picture of the health of rivers across the UK. This citizen-science approach is vital for detecting pollution incidents and fostering a broader understanding of freshwater ecosystems.

Why it matters

Clean, thriving rivers aren’t just vital for wildlife, they’re essential for humans too. From providing drinking water to supporting agriculture and recreation, rivers touch every aspect of our lives. Initiatives like the Adur Recovery Project and the Riverfly Partnership highlight how local actions can have a global impact.

Our commitment to monitoring the River Adur is a great example of how individuals can make a meaningful difference. At GOAT, we’re proud to support this work and we encourage others to explore similar opportunities to help lighten our impact on the planet.

Together, we can help to restore the health of our rivers and ensure they remain a source of life, beauty and inspiration for future generations to come.

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