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Stone Pylons on the A23

Photo:Stone pylons on the A23 outside Brighton

Stone pylons on the A23 outside Brighton

Image reproduced with permission from Brighton History Centre

General query

Query
What can you tell me about the stone gate pillars on the A23 South on the way into Brighton. I pass them every day and wonder why they are there? Many thanks, Tony

Response
The stone gate pillars are more properly known as the 'pylons'. They were erected to mark the northern limit of 'Greater Brighton' which was created on 1st April 1928. They "were designed by John Denman and have foundation stones laid by the Duke and Duchess of York on 30th May 1928 (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). Buried inside are coins, copies of the Brighton & Hove Herald and the Sussex Daily News and also a bound book recording the laying of the foundation stones. The cost was born by a public subscription of £993 and a contribution from Herbert Carden of £2,555. The western pylon bears the message: 'Hail guest, we ask not what thou art. If friend we greet thee hand and heart. If stranger no longer be. If foe our love shall conquer thee.'"

Text of response comes from the Encyclopedia of Brighton ESCC libraries 1990, Entry 92
This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

When the A23 was widened one of the pylons was due to be demolished, but due to the public outcry (what a great word) the road was built to avoid it. The original road just ran between the two pylons and there was a big earth bank between the road and the railway. This spoil was the waste dug out of the railway tunnel in Victorian times. I think the soil was used to help build the new road.
By Trevor Sharp (12/01/2006)
The Pylons were indeed intended to be a welcome to Brighton to the traveller approaching the city from the north along the A23. They were originally either side of the single track road. When the A23 was widened into the present dual carriageway, not only was there an outcry that either of the Pylons be demolished but, as the Land Agent and Surveyor acting for the Brighton Council's Farmlands Estate at the time, I kept back from the compulsory purchase order made by the Department of Transport an area of land upon which a third Pylon could be constructed to to the west of the new carriageway to match the other two, and thus preserve the symmetry. Needless to say, the Council would not consider such a cost at that time, and certainly the Department (quite properly) would not entertain the idea of providing a third pylon as part of any compensation receivable by the Council. Thus Brighton and Hove should still possess this small area of land, set aside for future use should anyone like to raise the money for such a project, subject no doubt to planning consent, etc. being obtained. Herbert Carden was a great benefactor to the Council, and 80 years on (2008) might be a suitable date by which to commemorate not only him, but also the fact Brighton and Hove is now a City. Perhaps the Argus might like to run a campaign and get together another time capsule. Anyone like to take up the challenge?
By Edwin Macadam (23/01/2006)

Wonderful!  My husband's grandfather Herbert Valentine Campbell had something to do with the building of these. He was a Ornamental Plasterer.

By Josie Campbell (04/10/2006)

I am the Great grand son of Sir Herbert Carden, and I agree that what a splendid and fitting tribute it would be to build the third pylon. In memory of Sir Herbert who would have been so proud to see his town become a city. His family have lived in the the town since at least 1615 (14 generations to date).

By Tim Carden (19/09/2007)

My daughter is the great great grand daughter of Sir Herbert and I agree entirely with Tim that there should be something to show the city's respect for such a man.

By Michael Kennedy (01/12/2007)

Mmmm... the same Sir Herbert who wanted to clear most of Kings Road and to demolish the Pavilion for re-development? Merely provoking discussion.

By neil woolley (24/03/2008)

Neither my husband or I are Brightonians but have adopted the town (sorry - city!) as our home for nearly 20 years. Our daughter was born here and ever since she could speak has always cried 'Brighton Pillows!' as we drive in from a trip away. We didn't know the provenance of the Brighton Pillars (or Brighton Pillows, as they will forever be referred to in our house) but they will always symbolise coming home to us.

By Jo (10/08/2008)

In researching the date of the pylons I note that they were designed by John Denman. However, I believe it was a collaboration with Louis Ginnett [the Ditchling artist]. Information is available on this artist at Ditchling Museum.

By Nigel Burrows (02/10/2008)

I have lived in Brighton all of my life and as a small child whenever my Mum and Dad, Nan and I had been on a day out, as we drove through the pylons on the A23 on our way home, we always chanted 'out of Brighton, out of Brighton, out of Brighton and ............ into Brighton'.

By Jane Emery (17/11/2008)

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