Where visitors turn back
The Peace Statue, on the boundary between Brighton and Hove
Photo by Sam Glen
Above the bustle of the seafront, her delicately sculpted wings dramatically silhouetted against the skyline, stands the Peace Statue. I don’t know her history, as I’m too absorbed in admiring her wings to read her story.
But how aptly named is this statue to peace – marking where Brighton meets Hove, but more significantly for me, where visitors to Brighton turn back towards the bright lights and hubbub of the shops and Palace Pier, leaving the wide open esplanades and the calm, green expanse of Hove lawns to the locals.
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Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos of the Peace Statue, I greatly enjoyed both. Although I believe I enjoyed the second one a bit more, because it reveals more details of the statue and the surrounding area, but the first photo is also quite breathtaking with a beauty all of its own. I’m planning to visit Brighton in the coming year, and am very grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Brighton’s magnificent charm and appeal. Again, thank you so much.
Nice to see the ‘Peace Statue’ again after so many years. As a retired policeman I remember the ‘Riot Act’ being read here on one November 5th disturbance.
The statue was unveiled by the Duke of Norfolk on 12th October, 1912.
Peace Statue one November 5th, wild group of youngsters. I was one teen among many who turned up to roam aimlessly around the Peace Statue, probably 1960-61. The police were a friendly lot, trying to keep control of the noisy vibrant crowd. It was fun!
Nice to learn about the Peace Statue for my homework. The Peace Statue is very beautiful to look at.
I can’t wait to see the Peace Statue. I’m going to meet a Bossa Nova dancer there tomorrow!
Although it is always called the Peace Statue, I think that the figure is actually Victory. She holds an orb in one hand and an olive sprig in the other, denoting ‘peace with honour’.
I lived not far away at Lansdowne Place for the first 14 years of my life and have fond memories of this area in the 50s and 60s. The interesting thing is we always used to call it ‘The Angel’ - does anyone else remember calling it that I wonder? November 5th was always an event here, actually more of a riot! Bonny’s description above is not quite as I remember it…. Ah those were the days when one could throw 1d bangers and 2d cannons at each other in a crowd between fights!
(Not me - I was too young 😉
Yes, I always called it The Angel and can remember going there for Nov 5th, probably around 62-63. I didn’t know it was the Peace Statue then.
I love Brighton, and this is one of my favourite places. We are so very lucky to have so many magical places.
The Peace Statue is very significant to me, as my Dad was very strict. We lived in Hove and he believed that if I went into Brighton in the evenings I would get into trouble, (nothing would happen in Hove, he thought). So the Peace Statue was the dividing line and I was allowed to walk as far as that and then turn back! I always had to be home by 9.30pm even at weekends – and up to the age of 18 (can you imagine?). I even had to leave before the film ended in the cinema to be home before my curfew! One evening as I was heading along the seafront with my mate, the lights and sounds of Brighton were beckoning me, and I thought to myself “how would Dad ever know as long as I am home in time?” and so with trepidation and excitement I stepped over the line between Brighton and Hove, marked by the statue and enjoyed going onto the pier and just feeling free, I guess. I was home by 9.25 and my dad was standing on the step waiting for me with his arms crossed! He asked me what was I doing in Brighton?! I presumed he had me followed or a neighbour had spotted me and so of course I denied being there. But he sent me to my room and I was grounded for weeks. I didn’t have the nerve to ask him how he knew – until many years later. When my own son was in his teens, I decided to mention it and Dad’s reply was, ” I didn’t know you were in Brighton, but when I asked you, guilt was written all over your face, and you get to know when your kids are lying to you”. So there you have it! Funny though even now my husband and I often walk along the seafront and every time I walk past that statue the memories of that night come flooding back. I am now a pensioner but have never forgotten what a great night I had though!!
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