Saturday, December 19, 2009

Brighton - East Sussex Has Been A Beach Resort For 200 Years

By Frederick Hoymer

Brighton - East Sussex is located on the South Coast of Great Britain in East Sussex. This area has been a popular tourist destination for years and in fact, became a health resort as early as the 18 century. It was at this point that it became a single day destination for those looking to get relaxed and revitalized. In the 1840s this area became more popular as a result of the railroad and experienced major population growth over the next hundred years.

In modern times this beach town attracts almost more visitors than any other beach town in England and Europe. The area is also popular for conventions and business meetings. There are also two universities in the city limits.

Brighton has been a popular destination for a very long time. In fact, it is mentioned in the Domesday book though is referred to as Bristlemestune. An interesting fact is that at the time of the writing in the Domesday book, which was a major survey of 1500s conducted to determine taxation, this area was charged with tax of 4000 Herring.

However this original town was destroyed in 1514 by the French during the war between England and France. Very little of this area actually survived one such structure was a St. Nicholas Church that partly managed to make it through the fires that was started by the French.

King George was one of the patients of this doctor. As the result of his first visit to the area King George IV decided to build a royal palace here. His palace is the world famous Royal Pavilion. This structure is still one of the most popular private residences ever created.

The onion domes and other architectural accents make this home appear more like and Indian palace than the home of a British King. It was here that King George IV would entertain his lady friend who happened to be a married woman. It is rumored that he desired to marry her but due to her religious beliefs she could not get divorced and marry the king.

Brighton continues to be one of the most visited cities in England as a result of its beaches and the Royal Palace. The beaches provide as great of an impression in modern times as it did when King George first visited here at the recommendation of his doctor. The beaches and the Royal palace are well worth the visit to this water front town.

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