A visit to Brighton is not complete until The Royal Pavilion has been seen. This wonderfully exciting spectacle is, on its own, a good reason to make a visit to Brighton. This is a memorial to George IV, it commemorates the beginnings of the transformation of the fishing town into a resort at Brighton. It pays tribute to its creators, whose vivid imagination was turned to reality by the resources of the profligate Prince.

The Royal Pavilion at Brighton is a combination of Indian and Oriental architecture. An exotic design, it is an intriguing collection of styles, and most unusual in a seaside resort. The building was the brainchild of King George IV (1820-1830) who, as a younger man, extended his ambitions for a home by the sea into this ornamental palace.

In the eighteenth century the seawater at Brighton was thought to be a remedy for glandular illness. A local doctor, Richard Russell, had written of the ‘sea cure’ and as word spread people came down from London to benefit from the waters.

The young Prince of Wales, later to become King George IV, was recommended to dip in the waters as a cure for his poor health. He enjoyed visiting Brighton and purchased a farmhouse near Steine, an open area of the town, near to the seafront. This house was enlarged and developed into Marine Pavilion, which was extensively used to socialise and entertain.

The young prince loved horses and horse riding and built a grand stable block, which was larger than the main residence, next door to his home. This building is now Brighton Dome.

The Regent was however not satisfied with either the size of his home, or its ability to thrill his many guests. Fortuitously and conveniently, Parliament decided to relieve The Prince of the huge debts he had built up around his indulgent lifestyle. This move allowed him to further his passion for architecture and the visual arts and he commissioned the building of The Royal Pavilion. Under the direction of the designer, John Nash, the project took seven years to complete, by which time The Prince had been crowned King George IV (1820-1830).

The roof of The Royal Pavilion is a combination of towers, onion domes, chimneystacks, minarets and pinnacles. This intriguing skyline is just one part of this complex building that was designed to create visual thrills, both inside and out. The objective had been to create a ‘pleasure palace’ in which life could be celebrated and enjoyed, and even before entering the building the brief would appear to be well addressed.

The exterior was constructed in stucco and Bath stone. Bath had previously been the most popular Spa resort in the country and in Georgian times Brighton had risen in status to challenge for this top accolade.

The elaborate and opulent interior was filled with rich English and imported French furniture. Decorative mirrors, precious paintings, printed Chinese wallpapers, together with drapes and large painted canvases were hung on the walls. Large chandeliers, some in giant lotus forms, were liberally installed to light up the long evenings of endless parties and balls.

King George IV made little use of the building after it was completed. His visits as King were infrequent and he died in 1830.

Queen Victoria visited Brighton but she did not enjoy the oriental style of the palace. In 1850 the Queen ordered the removal of much of the furniture and had it placed in other royal residences. The buildings were sold to the local council.

In the latter years of her reign Queen Victoria ordered the return of many of the furnishings that had been taken from Brighton. Queen Mary made a similar gesture, when further items from Buckingham Palace were moved back after World War 1. The return of these original pieces has been an important element in the ongoing restoration of The Royal Pavilion Estate.

The Royal Pavilion, now proudly restored and open to the public, continues to give pleasure to the large numbers who flock to see it every week.

Near to Brighton Pier, Old Steine and The Lanes, The Royal Pavilion is comfortable walking distance from central Brighton hotels. The surrounding tranquil gardens offer a pleasant resting place and refreshments.