Brighton

Related Category: British and Irish Political Geography

city (1991 pop. 134,581) and district, East Sussex, SE England. The largest and most popular resort in S England, Brighton also has engineering works and factories that manufacture office machinery, machine tools, electrical apparatus, vacuum cleaners, shoes, and paint. Formerly a small fishing village, it became a fashionable resort and was patronized, starting in 1783, by the Prince of Wales (later George IV), who had the Royal Pavilion built. Entertainment is provided on the Palace Pier and in the Dome, which was formerly the royal stables; the West Pier was closed in 1975 and partially collapsed in 2002. In addition to the seaside promenade, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, an aquarium, a race course, and sports facilities are of interest. The Univ. of Sussex is in Brighton.