Historic and Contemporary Images of Brighton and Hove
Based on the Regency Society James Gray Collection
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BRIGHTON CAMP, HOLLINGBURY PARK

Hollingbury Park and Woods

Neighbourhood
Hollingbury
Pre 1914
2018

James Gray: The Territorial Army Camp at Hollingbury Park, adjoining Ditchling Road, period pre-1914. In the background, the entrance to Hollingbury Court. jgc_20_140

2018: The copse (south of Surrenden Road) in the background was part of the Hollingbury Court Estate. The wooded copse is no longer there, Hollingbury Court was sold for development in the 1960s and the properties seen here now are part of the new housing that replaced. The site of the copse now has a residential cul-de-sac named after it.  (Photographer: Andrew Renaut)

1914
2018

James Gray: An area of 180 acres was bought by Brighton Corporation in 1900 and soon afterwards a nine hole golf course was laid out. As can be seen in the photograph above, of 1914, this was in part on land adjoining Ditchling Road which was levelled and used for football pitches after the 1914-18 War. jgc_20_163

2018: Apart from the saplings which have now matured on the right of the picture beside Ditchling Road, the image remains relatively unchanged. Part of the golf course is now a flat recreation area. Thankfully, the woods on the left remain, forming the same sweep looking south as in the original image. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

More
1920s
2018

James Gray: These pathways can be easily identified today, 40 years later, though many of the trees have gone. jgc_20_164

2018: Despite the damage from the 1987 hurricane, the woods continue to thrive and have a very active volunteer group who manage and maintain them on a regular basis. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

1920s
2018

James Gray: See caption for jgc_20_164 above. jgc_20_165

2018: The split in the woodland path, heading east near the Ditchling Road entrance to the woods, is still very recognisable despite the many trees that fell victim to the 1987 hurricane. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

1970
2018

James Gray: Two photographs  [jgc_20_177 and 178] of the original pavilion which was an old bandstand built prior to 1914. With no electric light or toilet and a leaky roof it was quite inadequate for present day use. It was removed in 1971 and replaced by a more commodious building. Date of photographs 15 February 1970. This view looks straight up towards the Golf Course. jgc_20_177

2018: Due to restricted visibility and to enable a full image of the current bowls pavilion, the photo has been taking looking south instead of the north view in the original image. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

1970
2018

James Gray: See caption for jgc_20_177 above. jgc_20_178

2018: Hollingbury Park bowls pavilion as it stands today. After nearly 50 years the tree and house in the background remain a consistent reference point. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

c1972
2018

James Gray: Hollingbury Woods looking down to Lower Roedale, about 1972. jgc_20_167

2018: Hollingbury Woods looking north-east. Very few mature trees now remain following the 1987 hurricane but young saplings are now slowly establishing themselves. The woods continue to be a well-frequented area for the community and are actively managed by local volunteers.  (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

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Historic and Contemporary Images of Brighton and Hove
This website has been prepared by the Regency Society of Brighton and Hove. All historic maps are provided with kind permission of the National Library of Scotland (https://www.nls.uk/) regencysociety.org

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