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Artillery Street

The house was 'buggy'

My mother was very pleased when she found the house in Artillery Street because it had been newly decorated, but we soon found out that it was `buggy' and she just kept looking for other places to live from that day on. The house was very small, the front door leading straight into the sitting room, the kitchen at the back and two rooms upstairs. I can't remember a bathroom, so I don't think there was one, and I suppose there was a toilet in the back yard, but I have no memory of it.

Along the top of Artillery Street ran Upper Russell Street, where there was a wholesale greengrocer or butcher; and further along was a lovely Jewish baker where they used to have the most wonderful rolls. On Sunday mornings we used to go along and buy those rolls hot. Just near there was a big newsagent and confectioner, at least it seemed big to me, and opposite on a corner was a baker, Gigins I think, where we bought the first cut and wrapped loaves called `Cream of the South'.

I did well at school and passed the scholarship to go to Varndean; in fact I passed the first part for Brighton and Hove High School too. Six of us were put forward for the written exam and I was the only one from my school to pass. Then I had to go for my oral exam, but I didn't pass that. I expect I didn't speak well enough.

Reproduced with permission from from 'Back Street Brighton' published by QueenSpark Books
This page was added on 05/11/2006.

Comments:

I remember Artillery Street very well, but does anyone remember the neighbouring streets as well, Cannon Street Russell Street, Cannon Lane where the traders had their lockups, and the brewery at the bottom of Artillery Street. Also the Meat Marketing Board at the bottom of Russell Street.  Lids did have scraps in those days but it never got out of hand. If anyone reading this remembers the Weaver family that lived in Artillery Street they are welcome to contact me on my email address. Being an old Brightonian, now living in the midlands, it makes me very sad when I visit Brighton and see that many of my old haunts have now gone. john.wignall@ntlworld.com

By John Wignall (03/05/2007)

I remember the Jewish bakers very well and also Gigins the bakers. The newsagents was Baldocks who also had a gents barbers in the back.

By John Wignall (14/08/2007)

I also remember Artillery Street very well as I used to live in the street as a child, born at No 2 Artillery Street. I then moved to Scotland and returned and lived with my grand-parents at No 1 Artillery Street. I went to St Paul's school and left Artillery Street in 1956. My grandfather used to work in Tamplins Brewery which took up most of the east side of Artillery Street. I also remember the stables at the bottom of Artillery Street and my favourite haunts were the Roller Rink and Ice Rink in West Street, all the cinemas in Brighton, particularly the Paladium. I also remember the Weaver family very well; George, Johnny, Cathy, Fairy, Ann and David (God bless them) and many other people who lived there. Nice to hear of other people who remember those days.

By John Sneddon (13/07/2008)

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