Fonthill Road

James Gray: The late Alderman J J Clark farmed Goldstone Farm from 1877 onwards, before he decided to enter the bakery trade and build a small bakery on land between Goldstone House and the railway line. This view shows the bakery from what is now Fonthill Road, but which was then but a lane known as Upper Goldstone Road. Note, at the side, the open view across what is now Hove Park. jgc_16_078

2018:  The undated James Gray picture shows the rear of the bakery. In 2018 the land has been redeveloped as Clark’s Industrial Estate.

James Gray: Nearly 90 years after Mr J J Clarke opened his ‘bread factory’ at Goldstone Farm, West Brighton, in June 1887; the end came suddenly for these premises. In October 1976, Clarks of Hove closed down, almost abruptly. The entire range of buildings, which had extended from the original premises a long way along Newtown Road, soon became empty. As soon as it was announced that the buildings were to be demolished I had these photographs taken on November 27, 1977. This view shows the original building. Compare this with the photograph of about 1900 on a previous page. The corner view at the junction of Newtown Road and Fonthill Road. jgc_16_106

2018: All the bakery buildings have gone: now Clark’s Trading Estate. (Photographer: Mark Stephenson)

James Gray: Following the death of Alderman A J Clark, his house and large garden came onto the market. The house was converted to flats and still stands. In the garden (see notice board) were built five houses with eight more at the rear facing Goldstone Lane. Date of photograph – April 28 1968. jgc_16_109

2018: The land between the house and the church is now built over with flats and houses. (Photographer: Mark Stephenson)

James Gray: Looking up Goldstone Street to the railway arch, in 1938. These buildings, Nos 26 – 36, were probably built about 1879, in which year this long but narrow arch was constructed and the road was carried through to Goldstone Farm. Later in 1938 all these buildings were removed for an extension to the existing omnibus garage in Conway Street. jgc_14_084

James Gray: Conway Street, between Goldstone Street and Ethel Street, 2 March 1963. These houses were built in 1876-1877 at the start of the building development between the railway and Blatchington Road.    jgc_14_104

2018: All the houses shown in the 1963 photograph of the south side of Conway Street have been demolished, including the corner property, Reg and Phyllis’ transport cafe at 48 Conway Street on the corner of Goldstone Street (now Fonthill Road). In place of No 48 there is now a Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company Limited private car park.

James Gray: A photograph taken in January 1970. In the view taken from near Goldstone Street can be seen the start of the factory building, now know as Industrial House. Ellen Street School, now rapidly approaching its centenary, still stands three years after the date of the photograph. jgc_14_112

James Gray: The view northwards from Clarendon Road to the railway, 28 April 1968. The roadway between Clarendon Road and Ellen Street has since been stopped up and it remains to be seen what future traffic arrangements will be with this road closed. jgc_14_119

2018: The north end of Goldstone Street has been renamed Fonthill Road but there is no longer a roadway between Clarendon Road and Ellen Street.

James Gray: View of the three buildings on the west side of the street between Ellen Street and Conway Street, numbered 20, 22 and 24. No 20, the Goldstone Street Hall, built in 1877, was for many years a private house like the adjoining one (note the entrance way and basement window). About 1914 it was converted into a hall known as Goldstone Gospel Hall and so it remained. Demolished in 1968 and the rest of these buildings will follow. jgc_14_120