Seaside Hotels

A Regency Society free lecture by Karen Averby

All are invited. No need to book.

Since Brighton emerged as an exclusive resort in the 18th century, its varied visitors have required accommodation. In the early days newly built houses were leased for the ‘season’, but increasing visitor numbers led to the growth of commercial ventures, and permanent establishments—some quite luxurious. The grander seafront hotels of the 19th century were designed in the fashionable architectural styles of the time and represent the pinnacle of luxury seaside accommodation. Some remain as an integral part of the seafront landscape. The fortunes of these imposing buildings reflect the fortunes of those who built, stayed and worked in them, and each hotel has its own fascinating and uniquely absorbing story.

Karen Averby is a buildings historian and heritage research consultant researching and writing about the history of buildings throughout the UK. She is Director of her historical research consultancy Archangel Heritage Ltd and specialises in house and hotel history and seaside heritage. She has a background in archaeology, archives and architectural history, has written books on beach huts, seaside hotels and town halls, and writes a regular local history column for the East London Guardian.

Image: David Fisher