James Gray: Two photographs [jgc_33_003 and 004] showing the progress of the work of constructing the Undercliff Walk. Period, sometime between 1929 and 1933. jgc_33_003
2020: Looking west along Marine Parade, taken a little further inland than the originals. The Abergavenny Arms, which stood roughly opposite the end of Rifle Butt Road, was demolished in 1935. The road was demolished in 1973-74 to facilitate access to the Marina. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: [See caption for jgc_33_003 above.] jgc_33_004
2020: Further changes to the scene include Marine Gate flats, constructed in the late 1930s. The Marina itself was built between 1971 and 1979, although developments within it have continued ever since. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Preparatory work for the Undercliff Walk in progress near Black Rock. This project occupied some considerable period and the work did not finish until 1933. Note the Abergavenny Arms [in this photograph] standing in complete isolation on the cliff edge. jgc_33_005
2020: Given the height and position of the cliffs in the original image, it would appear that the site in question is now buried under the west side of the Marina. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: [See caption above for jgc_33_005 above.] jgc_33_006
2020: See caption above. This photograph was taken at the western side of the Marina, looking up at the access road. (Photographer: Ron Fitton)
James Gray: Sunning and strolling at Rottingdean in the early 1950s. jgc_23_132
2019: James Gray’s image of people sunning and strolling in 1950s Rottingdean was presumably taken in one of the summer months. It was taken looking westwards, towards Brighton, just below the Rottingdean Terraces. This image, by contrast, was taken on a November day which explains the relative lack of strollers. Apart from alterations to railings and signage, nothing much has changed. (Photographer: David Jackson)
James Gray: New promenade and cliff walk. jgc_23_134
2019: The James Gray image shows both the newly-opened Undercliff Walk above Black Rock beach and, at the top of the the cliff, another footpath which is all that remained of the 19th century Brighton to Rottingdean Turnpike Road. Both paths can still be seen in the 2019 image although the Undercliff Walk is now fringed by Brighton Marina and the Asda car park. (Photographer: David Jackson)
James Gray: Very little needs to be said about these 1955 photographs [jgc_23_137 and 138], except to wish that Marine Drive was as traffic-free now as it was 35 years ago. Marine Gate flats are prominent features and trolley buses used this spot as a turning point. jgc_23_137
2019: The background of Gray’s 1955 picture – including the west wing of the Marine Gate apartment block – is little changed but in the foreground what was once Black Rock’s shingly beach is now the Asda Superstore car park. (Photographer: David Jackson)
James Gray: The old road to Rottingdean continued to follow the line of Marine Parade and the Terraces and ran close to the cliff edge, passing in front of the buildings shown in these photographs. Constant erosion of the sea led to great falls of chalk from the cliffs which so imperilled the road that it was closed in 1897. The new road (the present Roedean Road) was then formed much further inland to link up with the old road further east. The Corporation bought these houses and adjacent land in 1928 with a view to their early demolition. jgc_23_144
James Gray: View of the Abergavenny Arms and the Cliff Creamery about 1925. By making a purchase at this shop, one was allowed to pass through the shop to cliffs beyond. This saved a walk a full length of Rifle Butt Road and back, a detour of about 400 yards. Remains of the original road can be seen beyond the shop. Additional Information: Roedean School. jgc_23_146