Eastbourne’s long history from a medieval farming community to a fishing village and then a respected Victorian seaside resort is reflected in many buildings that still stand today. Until the nineteenth century the town was a collection of small settlements, at the heart of which was the town’s ancient parish church, and also a site of coastal fortifications. It begun to attract famous visitors as a resort in the Georgian era and then wealthy landowners developed the town following the arrival of the railways in the Victorian era, including building the grandest of Grand Hotels. The many prominent buildings in Eastbourne today are reminders of its history, from the pier, Martello tower and the iconic Beachy Head lighthouse to other lesser known but equally important buildings such as chapels, cinemas, schools, working-men’s clubs and even public toilets!Eastbourne in 50 Buildings explores the history of this town in East Sussex through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Eastbourne or who have an interest in the area.
