ABOVE: This picture shows Doctor Richard Russell
Two
key events helped put Brighton (or Brighthelmstone as it was known
originally) on the map. The first of these was that a certain Dr. Richard
Russell (SHOWN ABOVE) set up his practice in the town in 1754 and extolled the virtues of the
seawater as having great medicinal properties, which popularised bathing and
therefore greatly increased tourism to the town.
The second was that the Prince Regent (later
George IV, SHOWN IN BOTH PICTURES BELOW) heard of Dr. Russell’s work and was recommended to “partake of the
benefits of salt water bathing”. He quickly fell in love with the town and
commissioned the building of his grand home, The Royal Pavilion, at the Old
Steine in the town centre. That the town had gained royal patronage was
certainly a boost to the town and increased its status.
These 2 pictures (above) show The Prince Regent, George IV (George the fourth)
