James Gray: This photograph is but one of the many views that have been taken of the Chimney Shaft of the Brighton Main Sewer. Several appear on other pages in my collection. By the look of the two bystanders, this one was taken before the First World War. Chimney demolished in 1933. jgc_33_021
2020: This 120’ chimney was part of the improved Brighton & Hove sewer system engineered between 1871 and 1874. It was demolished in 1933 due to the construction of the new Marine Drive that replaced the old, narrow Rottingdean Road. The once-visible concrete base has also succumbed to the ravages of time. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Looking towards Brighton along the cliffs at Roedean, showing the old disused road from Brighton to Rottingdean, the present Roedean Road and haystacks and farm buildings of Black Rock Farm. The year is not established but it looks very like 1919 or 1920. jgc_33_023
2020: The grounds of Black Rock farm stood roughly where the Marine Gate flats stand today. The site of the farm and the barn is now under the Marine Drive. Hopefully no-one would consider walking their dog that close to the cliff edge today. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: The old and the new. Yet another of the many photos taken during 1932, when the construction of the new coast road (Marine Drive) was under way. The tall ventilation was removed in 1933, the old road taken up and grassed over. jgc_33_024
2020: Marine Drive today. For further information see the caption for jgc_33_021 above. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Three stages [jgc_33_025, 026 and, on the Marine Drive (Rottingdean) page, jgc_33_027] in the construction of the new coast road, during 1932. At Ovingdean Gap the old road was within a few feet of the edge of the cliff. jgc_33_025
2020: Marine Drive today. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_33_025 above.] jgc_33_026
2020: Looking east near Ovingdean Gap. Rottingdean Windmill is just visible on the horizon. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: The chimney shaft of the Brighton Main Sewer which formerly stood south of the road opposite Roedean School playing fields, shortly before its demolition. jgc_33_028
2020: The chimney shaft was demolished in 1933 to make way for the new Marine Drive. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Digging out and levelling the site for the new Rottingdean Road, which was sited several yards north of the original road. jgc_33_029
2020: The Marine Drive replaced the old narrow Rottingdean Road and was built between Black Rock and Rottingdean in the early 1930s. Roedean School is visible on the horizon. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Construction work in progress on the new road to Rottingdean, now known as Marine Drive. The scene is on the Roedean section, west of Roedean College [sic], probably in 1932. jgc_33_032
2020: The Marine Drive west of Roedean School. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Another view. jgc_23_209
James Gray: Another view. jgc_23_211