James Gray: Looking North to Brunswick Row, these old flint cottages are probably much the same externally as when they were built 120 years ago. These streets are far removed from the better-known Brunswick and Queen’s neighbourhoods but there is a simple explanation. When they were being built in the 1930s, London Road was named Queen’s Road, after Queen Victoria, hence Queen’s Place. The lower end of Ditchling Road was then known as Brunswick Place North – hence, Brunswick Row. This photograph was taken on 20 June 1954. jgc_10a_027
2018: The cottages survive although only two of the chimneys stacks. Door and window surrounds have been painted white which give the terrace a more gentrified air. (Photographer: Kate Ormond)
James Gray: Workmen stripping the wall of Corbin’s premises at 11 Queen’s Place discovered this old inn sign painted on the original plaster. The house was built about 1840, was an inn from the start and remained so until 1921 when Corbins bought it. jgc_10a_015
2019: The sign on the earlier inn has been removed. All the windows have been replaced and the roof line raised. The opening to the recessed entry door is now an arch. A mansard roof creating an additional level of habitable space has been added. (Photographer: Kate Ormond)
James Gray: This photograph and the next [jgc_10a_025 on the London Road (Brighton) (1) page] show buildings which must have been built within a few years of each other. This was the Nag’s Head Public House, at the west corner of Queen’s Place. Period unknown but perhaps just before the 1914-18 War. The Inn had a fairly long life. Built as an Inn in the late 1830s it remained licensed premises until 1921 when it was bought by Corbins of London Road and taken into their business. jgc_10a_024
2019: Street directories confirm that the original photograph shows The Prince of Wales public house at 143 London Road, on the corner with Queen’s Place. The building has survived largely intact and is now a branch of Specsavers opticians. The Nag’s Head was nearby, in Queen’s Place itself. (Photographer: Kate Ormond)