James Gray: This short road of tall houses, connecting Marine Parade with St James’s Street, was built in the early years of last century. Despite its long life, it has little history, its chief claim to fame being the change of name to the present Madeira Place, during the First World War. This Edwardian photograph, with its splendid milk churn, looks northwards to the distant Dorset Gardens. jgc_22_081
James Gray: Dilapidation in derelict houses in Madeira Place, whose name was changed from German Place, for obvious reasons, during World War 1. These one-time elegant houses were built early in the nineteenth century, some occupied as lodging houses from the start. In recent years they were used as flats and offices, with consequent decay. Here, on 24 August 1980, the buildings Nos 20/24, on the east side, stand empty and bereft of balconies.
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_22_082 above.] jgc_22_083
2018: Madeira Place looking north towards St James’s Street, the reverse view of the image above: largely unchanged and even considerably improved, despite Gray’s comment that ‘all buildings were demolished in August 1984’ – presumably a change of heart by the city’s planners. (Photographer: Jayne Paulin)
James Gray: Renamed Madeira Place by patriotic Brighton, during the 1914-1918 War. The premises of Shelvey & Co. Ltd., mineral water manufacturers, at 20A German Place, in 1897. Before that, the premises were used by a riding establishment and livery stables, and since then as a garage. jgc_22_103