Re-housing

As Brighton council began to demolish old areas of the town families found themselves in re-developed areas and new homes. Despite supposed better amenities this transition of change wasn't easy, as these two extracts from 'Backyard Brighton' show.

Dorset Buildings, pre-demolition

Backyard Brighton

Dorset Buildings, c. 1935

Brighton & Hove in Pictures

We received notice that we would have to move and we were offered a house on the Manor Farm Estate, but my father said it was too far away from his work (he worked at the Royal Crescent Hotel as a kitchen porter and had to work funny hours and week-ends) so they offered us a flat in a new block opposite the Stag pub, on the site of the old Crescent Cottages. They were lovely flats.

I don't think any of us objected, we just accepted what we were told. Most people were fascinated by the thought of having electric light and bathrooms, but many have moved back to the area now their families have grown up.

I think the rede­velopment has improved KempTown, but it's not homely any more. That was comfort, that house in Edwin Place was lovely. This flat is very nice but blessed cold, we were never cold in Edwin Place. I've got central heating and everything but it doesn't come up to the standard of those little houses. If they'd put a bathroom and electricity in them it would have been lovely, it was such a pretty street.
Gladys Amelia Jane Stenning - Backyard Brighton

In 1936 my parents were told they were going to be re-housed as Preeces Buildings were going to be demolished. They were quite happy to go as they had no real amenities in their house. Manor Farm was the area we were to be moved to and I went three times with my father to the estate.

These houses were like Buck­ingham Palace compared with the Preeces Buildings, with running water, a bathroom, plenty of living and sleeping space and electric light with just a switch. They also came with an electric cooker with the Corporation crest on it and an electric kettle. My mother was always afraid of electricity and didn't want to use them.
Victor Henry Cox - Backyard Brighton