Kemp Town

Kemp Town is one of Brighton and Hove's architectural gems, renowned for its Regency building and as the stylish residence of actors, musicians and writers.

The area was originally an estate developed by Thomas Read Kemp in 1823.

The estate consisted of grand houses in Arundel Terrace, Chichester Terrace, Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square, the work of architect Charles Busby and his building partner Amon Wilds.

By 1827, the facades had been completed. Number one Lewes Crescent was built for William Cavendish, sixth Duke of Devonshire, who wanted a regal home near the Royal Pavilion.

But the other houses sold slowly and when Kemp ran into financial difficulties in 1837, he fled the country and Cubitt completed Kemp Town. Sales had picked up by 1840 when a bus service to the railway station helped end the area's isolation. With the work finished, the rich and famous moved in.

The Rev Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, lived at number 11 from 1847 until 1887.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, one Lewes Crescent and the neighbouring house in Sussex Square were the home of the Duke of Fife and Princess Louise, daughter of King Edward VII.

Later residents include the popular actress Anna Neagle and her producer/director husband Herbert Wilcox.

Their neighbour was Lord Frederick Elwyn Jones, chief prosecutor at the Nuremburg trials. The square still attracts the rich and famous and is the former home of Hollywood star Cate Blanchett.

Royal Crescent, with its blackglazed tiles, has a special place in Kemp Town's history, being the first sea-facing terrace.

It is one of Brighton's most prestigious crescents and Lord Olivier and his family lived there from 1961 until 1987.

The area is home to some of the most unusual and exciting shops in Brighton. A large number of independent traders mean you can buy anything from a tiara for a pet poodle to an oriental carpet.

Schools
Queen's Park Primary, Freshfield Place, 01273 686822.
St Luke's Infant, Queens Park Rise, 01273 699924.
St Luke's Junior, St Luke's Terrace, 01273 675080.
St Mark's Primary, Manor Road, 01273 605588.
St John The Baptist RC Primary School, Whitehawk Hill Road, 01273 607924.
Tarnerland Nursery, St John's Place, 01273 607651.
Royal Spa Nursery, Park Hill, 01273 607480.