Hanover is more of a community than an area and for that reason it is now one of Brighton’s most sought-after residential areas.

This part of Brighton was developed from about 1860 and named after the royal dynasty that started with George I and ended with Victoria. The area typically consists of small terraced houses, some with plain fronts and others with angular bay windows.

Brighton historian Tim Carder says the Hanover Ward was first designated in 1894, covering the region between Lewes Road, Southover Street, Queen’s Park Road, Pankhurst Road, Freshfield Road, Elm Grove and Franklin Road.

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Hanover Crescent consists of grand listed houses which were completed by architect Amon Wilds in about 1822. The crescent was the home of Sir Rowland Hill, who introduced uniform penny postage and the Penny Black stamp in 1840. He was also the chairman of the London and Brighton Railway Company from 1843.

Probably the most expensive and soughtafter homes are in the Crescent, a private road just opposite the north end of The Level. This is made up of Grade II-listed properties, some are individual houses and some are flats.

Hanover Street, behind the Crescent, is a road of small cottages with front gardens.

In 1988, Hanover Street and Hanover Terrace were added to the Valley Gardens Conservation Area.

The Church of the Annunciation, the parish church for Hanover, in Washington Street, has stained-glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

Round the corner in Southover Street is the Hanover Community Centre which runs the Hanover Festival and other regular events throughout the year with an emphasis on families and community.

Half a century ago parts of the area were run down and had some of the worst housing in the town but now Hanover is a fashionable area to live.

Over the years houses have been modernised and, unlike in many other parts of Brighton and Hove, not many have been subdivided into flats. The rows of individually coloured houses give Hanover a real seaside feel that gladdens the heart even on the dullest of days.

In addition, there is a good community spirit which may be something to do with the quality and quantity of local pubs and interest groups.

Hanover is ideally located, being ten to 15 minutes’ walk from Brighton railway station, making it easy for commuters to get to work.

The area is full of two- and three-storey period houses, popular with London buyers.

There are several local shops throughout the area, including Southover Street and Islingword Road and the shops in Lewes Road and London Road are within easy walking distance. Buses to the centre of town pass along Lewes Road and Queens Park Road and up and down Southover Street. Local parks are The Level and Queens Park.