The photo was taken at the bottom of West Street. The tall dark building in the background still stands on the corner of West Street and Kings Road (the seafront) and is at present known as the Belgrave Hotel (now painted predominantly cream).

The end of West Street?

Yes it is the bottom of West Street, half way between the two piers! Probably the photo would have been taken by a "professional" street photographer for a fee, developed later and posted to the home address. They really have dressed up for the occasion! There is no doubt that its West Street, the hotel in the background (built about 1890) is still there today and still recognizable, although now called UMI Hotel. Also the kiosk to the right is still there and the same, but I think the steps down to the beach are somewhat changed. The big arches are also very recognizable and still look the same today.

That looks to be the bottom of West Street. The buildings are still there.

On the beach at the bottom of West Street straight down from the railway station.

The beach at the bottom of West Street.

It looks like the bottom of West Street to me.

Photo taken at the bottom of West Street.

It looks like the bottom of West Street, with the Belgrave Hotel in the background.

The rotunda at the bottom of West Street?

It looks like the buildings in the background are at the bottom of West Street and Kings Road. I think you might have the birth year dates wrong of some of your relatives, unless I am mistaken,

Hi Janet, the steps leading down to the beach from King's Road are almost opposite West Street. The giveaway is the building on the corner - the Hotel Victoria at number 64, King's Road - which stood there under that name from 1898 until it was renamed Sheridan's. It is now UMI.
Andy

Further to my earlier comment, it's nearly 100 years since the photo was taken! How about coming down to Brighton next year with your family, the 100th anniversary, and having a similar photo taken, from exactly the same spot? I'm not an expert, but I've got a half decent camera, if you want me to take the shot! Let me know, pedrogroves@googlemail.com

This looks like the lower prom at the bottom of west Street. You can just see the circular building on the top level.

Looking at David Burgess's photos of the West Pier 1910, I think it might have been taken just to the left of it, near the arches.

Could it be the bottom of West Street?

Fantastic Victorian photo! The photo was taken at the bottom of West Street on the beach. I guess they had walked straight down from the railway station.

This is at the bottom of West Street - well just west.

Thanks everyone for your comments. Yes Martin I did make one mistake on the birth dates, but only one. I will change it as soon as I can get on to do it. William Pitt Bill was in fact born 1886. The other dates are a bit strange but they are correct. What a great idea Peter about visiting next year the 100th anniversary. I might be able to persuade my Aunt, the only surviving and youngest member of her generation who is now in her 80s to be in the picture.

Janet, if you go to www.thebelgravehotel.com the homepage shows, in the background, a photo of the hotel taken from the beach. It is just to the east of the position from where your older photo was taken. I am sure you will also find more photos from, say, a google search of Belgrave Hotel Brighton or Umi Brighton.

Thanks Alan. I have taken a look at the site and I can see and agree with everyone. Many thanks