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Queen's Park

The 'Pepperpot'

By Andrew Bradstreet

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'Queen's Park' page

The Pepper-pot was built to house the villa's pump and water tank. It supplied water by force from the pressure of water contained in the large tank in the top of the tower.

Various uses
It has since been used for printing and publishing the Brighton Daily Mail; as an observation tower in the Second World War; a scout headquarters; an artist's studio, and finally as a public convenience. Today it is not used at all.

Inside the 'Pepperpot'
In April 2003 I was allowed inside the 'Pepperpot'. The photographs here record my visit and show the views from its windows. It was very damp, very smelly and there was a layer of slime on everything! It's a real shame that it's being left in this state.

This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments about this page

Your postcard shows that the Pepperpot was always known as Pepperbox.

By R. Barontini (11/07/2004)

Despite the postcard showing the name as being 'Pepper Box', in the 50s we knew it as the 'Pepperpot'. My father used to have the keys when the Scouts used it and I remember going up it on several occasions. The long wooden ladder/stairs stick in the mind - alright going up, but a bit more disconcerting coming down!

By Richard Thornburgh (23/08/2005)

I am interested to know more details of the photo described as a view from the top window. What is the name of the church and what is the name of the road? Currently researching my family history on my grandmother's side. It is possible she was a pupil at a convent in Bristol Road in 1901.

By Kay Coss (11/09/2005)

The church is St Luke's - if I remember correctly.

By Ian (09/07/2006)

Please could you tell me who built the Pepperpot and when it was built. Thank you.

By Anne (31/07/2006)

Anne, the villa mentioned is Thomas Attree's and it was built around 1831. You can find out more by clicking on 'History of Atrre's Villa' in the Queens Park section of this site.

By Andrew Bradstreet (02/09/2007)

I used to live in the area and can remeber using the Pepperpot's toilets in the 1970s. Have always wondered what it was like up top though, so the photos have given me some insight, although it's a bit of a shame they're so small & dark.

By Gary Christer (18/10/2007)

I found this building on Sunday 15th June 2008 and fell in love. I cannot believe it is being left to rot. Here are some photos I took: www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42657&l=08c86&id=676562576

By Ruthy Mandry (17/06/2008)

There are currently owls roosting in the Pepperpot.

By Roger (23/09/2008)

A Friends of the Pepperpot group now exists (from Jan 2010) to get it restored and back into use. Have a look at our website http://pepperpot.info or look for Friends of the Pepperpot on Facebook. There will be events at the Pepperpot in May 2010 and Sept 2010 - join us and save this local landmark.

By Amanda Brace (28/04/2010)

My book "Brighton Diaries" relates my life between 1929-1943 in the area of the Pepperbox with actual dates for I kept diaries. I was born at 113 Queen's Park Road on the 26th May 1922 and started at the St. Lukes Terrace School in 1927 and joined St. Luke's Church Choir in 1929. There are over 70 photographs / illustrations including one of the Pepperbox. It is a shame that the name has been changed to the Pepperpot because that does not reflect the age of the building which was built at a time pepper was dispensed from boxes.

By Ken Chambers (06/06/2010)

I lived in Brighton for many years around the Queens Park area, Windmill St and Freshfield Road. The story I heard a few times was that Mr Attree who built the house used the Pepperpot to watch his ships coming up the channel. Not sure if this is true but its a nice story. A wonderful website by the way it has brought back a lot of memories for me. Thanks

By Mike Peckett (23/06/2011)