Brighton East Seafront: Images on the beach (2)

James Gray: An almost unbelievably quiet Madeira Drive photographed during the winter of 1961/1962. The bowling greens and tennis courts, which formerly adjoined the roadway, had all but gone and Peter Pan’s Playground was soon to replace them. jgc_05_177

2020: There are more vehicles on Madeira Drive, new flats can be seen at the Marina, there is a playground and a crazy golf course on the site of the old bowling greens and tennis courts. Madeira Terrace is cordoned off, awaiting repairs. (Photographer: Simon Cooper)

James Gray: Madeira Drive, from the period, 1900-1914. View looking west from Kemptown. jgc_05_179

2020: Madeira Drive is much busier today. Volk’s Electric Railway now has a new shed and beside it there is a miniature golf course and a children’s playground. (Photographer: Simon Cooper)

James Gray: These formed part of the original Kemp Town Estate projected during the 1820s. The construction of the esplanades, at one time strictly private, occupied about 12 years from 1828 to 1840. The slopes were unfenced at their southern boundary, as can be seen here, and ran right down to the beach, the use of which was confined to Kemp Town residents. This photograph, dating from 1895, shows the area as it was. Note the two methods of lighting – gas in the old lampposts and electric arc lamps in the tall standards, first introduced in 1893.  jgc_06_123

James Gray: View in the same area in 1955, 60 years later. In 1895, Madeira Drive was extended from Paston Place to the slope leading up to the present Madeira Drive. Volk’s Railway was extended along the foreshore to Black Rock in 1901. At this period the slopes were entirely enclosed and reserved for the use of Kemp Town residents. In 1951 the Corporation acquired the site and the terraces and gardens opened for the use of the public, in July 1952. jgc_06_124

James Gray: Do not be misled by the rails of the beach. It is not Volk’s Railway as the photograph is earlier than the previous one. Note the gas lamps not electric standards. Period about 1890. jgc_06_125

2020: A much greener view today. (Photographer: David Sears) 

James Gray: Old houses on the cliff edge at Black Rock. jgc_23_143

2020: Gray’s 1923 photograph is of the Abergavenny Arms, The Cliff Creamery and the other cliff top buildings. They were demolished in the late 1920s . The site is now occupied by the Marine Drive cycle track, just to the west (left) of Marine Gate flats which were built in 1939. (Photographer: David Jackson)

James Gray: This view dates from 1927 before the Undercliff Walk was built, but it is seen in jgc_33_009 photograph taken about five years later. jgc_33_007

2020: The Undercliff Walk for this section of the coast was completed between 1930 and 1933. The view was changed again by the building of Brighton Marina between 1971 and 1979. (Photographer: Ron Fitton) 

James Gray: The Undercliff Walk is visible. jgc_33_009

2020: The dangers of crumbling chalk cliffs are better known today. Signs warn walkers not to approach the cliff edge although there are still reckless visitors who ignore the risk. There is fencing along much of the cliff edge and Brighton Marina is now part of the view. (Photographer: Ron Fitton) 

James Gray: The cliffs and farm buildings of Black Rock farm during the period 1900-1910. These photographs clearly show the old road to Rottingdean, which was closed in 1897 while there is just a glimpse of the present Roedean Road. Although affected by continued erosion Black Rock farm remained until 1928 when Brighton Corporation bought the land. jgc_ 33_011

James Gray: Although these photographs were taken at different times (see advertisement on the barn) it is interesting to see the same dog in both of them. jgc_33_012 

2020: See caption for jgc_33_011 above. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)

James Gray: An uncommon view of the beach at Roedean showing the double rows of lines on which the car of the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric railway was transported from Paston Place to Rottingdean. The lines were either under construction or repair, but as to the year one can only say between 1896 and 1901, the years when this was in use. Additional Information: ©Philippe Garner.  jgc_33_020

2019, 2020: The Daddy Long Legs or Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway ran along the shore from Paston Place to Rottingdean. The line was closed in 1901 and the car “Pioneer” languished at the end of Ovingdean pier until both pier and car were broken up and sold for scrap in 1910. Some remnants of the route can still be seen at low tide. The line of the railway is just visible in this aerial view. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)