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North Street

Then and now photos

19th century view
This photograph shows the Unicorn Inn, which was established in about 1750. The building was originally a farmhouse, dating back to 1597. The photo was taken in 1893, shortly before the inn was rebuilt.

20th century view
The sports shop is now Burtons. Beyond Burtons is the emergency exit for the Regent Ballroom and Cinema, one of Brighton's favourite venues for a Saturday night out in the 1930s. Next door to that is the Essoldo cinema. The alleyway to the left of Burtons dates back to the earlier photo.

21st century view
This is North Street, one of the town's main shopping streets. Dominated by a new sports shop, it's not an inspiring sight.

19th century view

Image reproduced with permission from Brighton History Centre

20th century view

From the private collection of Bert Clayton

21st century view

Photograph by Tricia Leonard

This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments about this page

The photo of Burtons shows two doorways. If my memory is correct, one of them led down a flight of steps to the snooker room beneath. It was huge as I recall, it held about ten or twelve full size tables. I spent many of my teenage evenings there in the late 1950s with friends before going up to Tingey's Coffee Bar in Dyke Road.

By Ralph Packham (09/05/2007)

Wow,i just came across the picture of Burtons with The Regent Ballroom next to it. For 20 years i grew up listening to stories of how my mum and dad met and 'hung out' at The Regent Ballroom.They didn't have any pictures of it ,so what a thrill to finally see it! Thanks.

By Deborah Hoad (10/01/2008)

Great memories of the brilliant Regent Ballroom come flooding back to me, there's never been a place like it since. The snooker rooms were great too, old Ma Plum used to make great sandwiches. Happy days.

By Jerry Heath (06/10/2008)

This jogs my memory. So if this is North Street there must have been a second entrance/exit to the ballroom. The main entrance was on Queens Road. Could well be we went in the main door on Queens Road and left by this side one.

By Sandra (25/12/2008)

I am trying to find out what the shop was or looked like at 106 North Street - grateful for any ideas or information. My source says 'General Dealers Store'. My GG Grandfather Bill Trewin worked there in the 1920s and 1930s.

By Sarah Bonnot (14/02/2010)