What Was Brighton Called Originally?

According to the Domesday Book, the original name of Brighton was Bristelmestune. In the Domesday Book, a rent of 4, 000 herring (fish) was established for Brighton. Brighton was also known as Brighthelmstone.

In June 1514, a war broke out between the two old enemies, England and France. France attacked the town of Brighthelmstone (as Brighton was then known) and burnt it to the ground. The only two places that survived the attack were a part of one of the town's oldest and most famous churches, St. Nicholas' Church and a part of the street in the locality are now known as the Lanes.

In 1545, an artist drew the first-known drawing of Brighthelmstone and depicted a scene from the attack that had taken place in the city 31 years earlier. Brighton was the favourite holiday destination of the Prince Regent, who later came to be known as King George IV. The Prince Regent was a patron of Brighton ever since he visited the town for the first time in 1783.

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