Brighton Station: Gateway to England’s Seaside!

[Judith1978]

Brighton Station stands as the historic gateway to England’s beloved seaside town, connecting visitors from London and beyond to the vibrant south coast. Built in the Victorian era, this beautiful station is a blend of classic architecture and modern convenience, reflecting Brighton’s rich history and lively culture. From its elegant ironwork to bustling platforms, Brighton Station has been a vital part of the town’s identity for over a century. Whether you’re here to explore the beach, the iconic pier, or just passing through, Brighton Station is a memorable starting point for any adventure on the coast!

 

[Oldgaloot]

I worked in Brighton from 1985 to 1990 and travelled into and from the station frequently. On one occasion I had the pleasure of following Felicity Kendal (Rear of the Year 1981) along the platform to the London train. There was, and probably still is, something about Brighton. Keith Waterhouse described it as a town that looked as though it should be helping the police with their enquiries and Graham Greene set his gangster novel "Brighton Rock" there. That opens with a great account of Brighton on a bank holiday, the packed buses full of day-trippers rattling down the Queens Road. Later, working along the coast to the west, I'd arrive in Brighton, sometimes well-refreshed, with less time than was really required to change to a London train and have to sprint across the concourse to catch it. The station seemed to have a life of its own.

 

[Brightonboy]

I grew up in Brighton in the 60's and 70's and spent many hours on the station in the 70's and made many trips to/from the station. Although it is a good few years since I last went there by train, I can't help feeling that the 'modernised' station shown in the video has lost something of the soul of the place. No slam doors for a start! My late grandfather was the station announcer there in the 50's with an office and window high up overlooking the concourse facing Platforms 4 & 5. He's long gone, of course, but I wonder what he (a 40 year LB&SCR, SR & BR railwayman) would have made of the station today.