A few words about Brighton

Brighton is by far the most famous seaside resort in England. With its population of 247,800 people it is also the biggest one. Brighton and its twin city Hove form a conglomeration on the principle of "opposites attract" - exciting, full of energy and lively rattle Brighton stands next to the calm and quiet Hove. The two boroughs were joined together in 1997; they are part of Sussex county.

First signs of human activity in the region date back to 3500 BC.
Unfortunately unwise building project in the nineties over and next to one of the most interesting archaelogical sites resulted to its damaging.
Which comes to show us once again that progress of civilization should not be done at the expense of cultural and natural heritage, because we deprive ourselves of it like that.

The archeological remnants are everywhere to remind you the glorious and long past of the people who lived there - the small park on Old Soreham Road, the Goldstone (believed to be used as some kind of ceremonial altar around 2000 BC). Objects dating back to the Bronze Age prove that civilization has deep roots at the place.

People with flair for history and archeology will be delighted to see the Hove Amber Cup, found in one burial mound. Hollingbury Camp Celtic (pre-Roman) site is considered by everyone the most impressive archeological site in the region. It gives a panoramic bird-view on Brighton. You can enjoy yourself and learn a lot at the same time in Hove Museum.

Being one of the southern-most settlements in England, it was a place where all the invadors passed through. Romans built villas and roads in the whole region. Numerous artefacts like Roman statues, broaches, other jewellery were easily found in the area.

The first name of Brighton was Beorthelm. That is the name under which you can find it in old literature.

Preston manor (one of the many during its times) is preserved and now is used as a museum.

The most famous church - St. Peters, which is also the largest in the city was believed to have been built in 14th century, after the Plague. Later a 12-th century fresco inside the church was found; still scientists are uncertain when exactly it was erected.

The Grand Hotel, one of the most emblematic building of Brighton is now completely restored. The best-known landmark of the city is called the Royal Pavilion (a big holiday house of the monarch). The Kemp Town estate is one of the best preserved examples of Regency architecture. In 1984 IRA put a bomb and 5 people were killed in the blast; Mrs. Thatcher and her Cabinet were not injured, but it was sheer luck

The Palace Pier (the name was changed to Brighton Pier in 2000) was founded in 1899, and it is still among the worthy sights of the city. The pier is constantly being renovated, but the West Pier partially collapsed in 2002 due to a storm.

The largest and most famous arts festival in England takes place in May each year in Brighton.
Two universities are educating young people in Brighton - the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton; there is a public school as well.

Some people call Brighton "London by the sea" because of the wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere; also because of the mobs of tourists and culture life. Brighton is also a centre for learning Engish as a second language, and many foreigners visit it for short and long-term courses.

The city has big and influential gay community which organizes a Gay Parade every August.
There is a surprising number of pubs, discos, clubs (the famous Fatboy Slim comes from Brighton), nightclubs, Artclubs...

Brighton is the seat of Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and the Hove Ground of Sussex County Cricket Club (cricket is stilk a very popular sport in UK).