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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:

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 pepper pot.

By Roger (23/09/2008)