Also of interest is the former obvious importance of the footpath going from the Seven Dials, along what is now Prestonville Road and then Stanford Road and finally Lovers Walk to Preston Road.

Where do the railway lines lead to?

The railway line heading towards the top left of the picture is the London to Brighton railway. The one leading to the right is the Lewes Railway, I am not sure of the one leading to the direct left of the picture.

The map is correct for 1850 and correctly does not show the Cliftonville loop (Hove curve) which I believe opened ca.1860. The line to the top left is London/Brighton - top is Lewes - left is the coast line to Shoreham/Worthing and beyond. Holland Road Halt can be seen, the Cliftonville Loop joined just west of Holland Road Halt, however it curved in from the east. Had it been built at the time of the map, it would have just been possible to see it leaving the London line, left hand side of the map, but not the actual position it joined the coast line.

I have a map of Brightelmston dated 1799 by Edward Cobby. I showed it to an antique dealer who told me it was a pen and ink map and I should get it checked to see if it is of the right date. Can you tell me where I might go with it to find out.

Hi Paul. if your map by Edward Cobby is rendered in pen and ink, it is either very rare original or a more recent hand reproduced copy. The map was used in his directory of 1799/1800 and has been reprinted in numerous other works. I suspect that what you have is a print of the map. That said, if it is the genuine Cobby original for the map, I suggest you contact Brighton Museum or ESRO.

Is there any record of the work put in by William Hallett on the building of the railway?

A 19th Century street called Model Dwelling Street in the Pavilion Ward has since disappeared. Has anyone come across this street in 19th Century Brighton maps?

Can anyone tell me whereabouts in Brighton Nottingham Street was, as I can't see it on any old maps?

Nottingham Street became Spa street, then later Tillstone street, which runs parallel with Leicester street which is part of the Queen's Park conservation area.