Marlborough House, Old Steine

Image: © Simon Carey Taken: 1 Sep 2006

Head south down Pavilion Buildings then east through Castle Square then south into the Old Steine. The Steine was originally a marshy common area where Brighton's occasional river, the Wellsbourne headed into the sea, and the fisherman hung out their nets. The arrival of the Prince Regent turned the Old Steine into a strolling and networking centre for the rich and famous the consequence of which was the erection of new houses around the open space. Marlborough House was constructed in 1756 and purchased in 1771 for the Duke of Marlborough who in turn sold it to an MP, William Hamilton in 1786. From the 1870s it was a stationery store, education offices from 1891 and the town's tourist offices from 1974 until recently. It is currently empty. It is the oldest building left on the Steine. Next door is Steine House built in 1804 for Mrs Fitzherbert who lived in it until her death in 1837. It was then used as a gentlemen's club and in 1884 was acquired by the YMCA who are still using the building today. The final building in view is Blenheim House which was extensively restored in the 1980s. Click on the link to take you to the next page. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/231232

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