King George IV was not much missed by most people in Brighton when he died in 1830.

Although he had made the town fashionable, George had been guilty of many excesses and occasional gross behaviour, especially towards his unofficial wife Maria Fitzherbert and his royal wife Caroline,

He had also not visited Brighton much during his ten years as King, seemingly weary of his creation.

George was succeeded by his 64-year-old brother, the Duke of Clarence, who became William IV. He was fond of Brighton and had been there several times.

On receiving a loyal address from the town, William replied: “Tell the inhabitants of Brighton that I shall soon be with them.”

William duly arrived in the summer of 1830 and was seen in the grounds of the Royal Pavilion discussing the future of the palace with its architect John Nash.

Soon after this William made an official visit with his wife Queen Adelaide and they received a great welcome from the town.

A huge arch 50 feet high was constructed at the entrance to the Pavilion and hundreds of children from charity schools greeted them. So did 75 seamen, acknowledging the nickname given to the new monarch of the Sailor King.

William sent for Mrs Fitzherbert, still living in Brighton but by now in her mid-seventies. She showed him a marriage certificate that proved she had been wedded to George.

Mrs Fitzherbert accepted his invitation to dine at the Pavilion and he helped her out of her carriage. Her acceptance by the Royal Family gave her a great deal of pleasure in her old age.

William entertained in style at the Pavilion but he was not nearly as flamboyant as his brother had been. He did not drink much and was no glutton.

He arranged for some extensions to the Pavilion at the southern end which provided space for visitors and built a new South Lodge.

William also extended the stables on the north side and many years after his death, this building was converted into the art gallery. He also commissioned a grand new North Lodge.

The King and Queen liked to stay in the Pavilion after banquets and chose rooms that were quiet, well away from crowds. They led a simple domestic life.

During the day, Queen Adelaide often drove out to Hove to drink water at the spa there which later became St Ann’s Well Gardens.

Meanwhile the King liked to walk up and down the Chain Pier which had been completed in 1823, barking greetings to many people he met there.

The pier reminded him of the deck of a ship and he was always happy to be there. Those who met him were surprised at how friendly and informal he was.

William pottered around Brighton on his frequent visits to the town and there was regret when he died in 1837.

Brighton had high hopes of his successor, the teenaged Queen Victoria, but she was to prove a major disappointment. It was not until the dawn of another century that Brighton found royal favour again.