Historic Landmarks in Brighton

Explore the architectural evolution of the Sussex coast through these five historic sites. The selection spans from the 11th-century ruins of the Cluniac Priory of St Pancras and the Norman double-motte Lewes Castle to the industrial heritage of the 1802 Rottingdean Windmill. Brighton’s maritime identity is represented by two distinct structures: the Grade II* listed Victorian Palace Pier, opened in 1899, and the skeletal remains of Eugenius Birch’s 1866 West Pier, a significant example of mid-Victorian seaside engineering.

Historic Landmarks — Map

A

Brighton Pier

Opened in 1899, this Grade II* listed Victorian structure is a significant example of seaside leisure architecture. It features a traditional amusement arcade and fairground rides, stretching 524 meters into the English Channel.

Unknown / Public domain

B

West Pier

The West Pier is a ruined pier in Brighton, England. It was designed by Eugenius Birch and opened in 1866.

Yewenyi / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle is a medieval castle in the town of Lewes in East Sussex, England.

D

Rottingdean Windmill

Also known as Beacon Mill, this black-painted timber smock mill was built in 1802. Located on Beacon Hill, it served as a navigational landmark for sailors and remains a Grade II listed example of early 19th-century engineering.

Top Cat 14 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

The Priory of St Pancras

Lewes Priory is a part-demolished medieval Cluniac priory in Lewes, East Sussex in the United Kingdom.

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