James Gray: Hove Cottage, on the left, opposite the entrance to the Manor House, was an old building which was removed in 1914-15, when the curve was taken out of the street on the west side. The long flint wall ran right down to Princes Avenue. jgc_12_138
2018: This is one of several images in the collection showing the northern end of Hove Street before it was widened and straightened with the removal of Hove Cottage and other buildings in 1914-15. On the right, Hove Manor and its stables were demolished in 1936 to make way for the 6-storey block of flats and shops with the same name and the two buildings to the north, built to house a fire station and electricity substation.
James Gray: Manor House, built by John Vallance, dated from 1785. It was removed in 1936 to make way for Hove Manor Flats. The Southern flint wall of the grounds can still be seen. jgc_12_142
James Gray: On this, and two succeeding pages, are photographs of Hove Street all taken in September 1914. Considered together they show nearly the whole of this old stretch as it had been for many years. Here are excellent views of the entrance to Hove Manor with adjoining farm buildings extending almost to Vallance Road.
James Gray: The field enclosed within the flint wall extended southwards to Princes Avenue then just a rough road devoid of houses. A house known as Fairstone was built at this corner in 1923, but was demolished a few years ago to make way for the Princes Court Flats. jgc_12_154
James Gray: This view shows the construction of Hove Manor flats and shops in 1936. jgc_12_173
2018: This image from 1936 shows the redevelopment of the eastern side of Hove Street, looking north. The three houses on the right are easily recognisable, the one nearest now painted white.
James Gray: It is thought that these two photographs were taken during the Greater Hove celebrations, but there is a possible alternative. On 11 April 1928, Hove increased its area taking in Hangleton, West Blatchington, Preston Rural and parts of Patcham, hence the celebrations. The alternative is that this could have been the official opening of the newly built Hove Fire Station two years earlier on 2 June 1926. jgc_12_176
James Gray: It is thought that these two photographs were taken during the Greater Hove celebrations, but there is a possible alternative. On 11 April 1928, Hove increased its area taking in Hangleton, West Blatchington, Preston Rural and parts of Patcham, hence the celebrations. The alternative is that this could have been the official opening of the newly built Hove Fire Station two years earlier on 2 June 1926. jgc_12_177
James Gray: These two photographs of Hove’s oldest street date from 1913, the year before the street was straightened and widened. This view is, however, of much interest, for looking east from the site of what is now Princess Avenue, it shows the rear of ancient cottages, certainly of 18 century vintage, the fronts of which, facing into Hove Street, are seen on other pages. jgc_12_145
James Gray: This is the oldest photograph of the three. Dating from the early 1920s it shows the old cottages formerly at the corner of Princes Avenue, the houses of which were not then built. Additional Information: H. Bennetts bathchair store. jgc_12_175
James Gray: Hove Street looking north showing the entrance to the manor House and the farm buildings beyond. Year 1912. jgc_12_180
2018: This pleasing relaxed image cannot now be (safely) replicated.
James Gray: Hove Manor House, looking south. jgc_13_067
2018: The barns on the left of the James Gray image have been replaced by the red slatted entrance to the fire station which has itself been converted into flats. Beyond are the six-storey blocks of Hove Manor Flats which occupy the site of Hove Manor. (Photographer: David Sears)