Rose Collis

A new version of the Encyclopaedia of Brighton, which charts the city's colourful history, is to be published on June 14.

The book has been fully revised and updated and includes more than 170 new entries and scores of new photographs. The A to Z of subjects, from Abattoirs to the Zap Club, includes sections on famous local figures, literary and art connections, World War One and Two, the city's Jewish history and gay history, plus lots of facts and quotes about the city.

The original edition, first published in 1990, was intended chiefly as a reference volume for libraries and schools, but went on to sell around 7,000 copies. It has been out of print since 2005 and the council’s libraries and local book shops are constantly being asked for it.

Brighton-based writer and historian Rose Collis was commissioned to update the encyclopaedia, which was written originally by local historian Tim Carder, and the pair are both credited jointly as authors.

Councillor David Smith, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:
"This is a fascinating project and we are all excited about the publication of the New Encyclopaedia of Brighton. The original edition has proved hugely popular and the new encyclopaedia will build on that and be packed with even more information.

“We know how much people are looking forward to reading the New Encyclopaedia of Brighton, from the number of enquiries our libraries are getting to find out when it is being published. Local book shops are delighted it is going to be back in print, because they get asked for it so often.

"So much has changed in the two decades years since the encyclopaedia was first published and it will be packed with new and updated information. We have a new-look Churchill Square, for example, the Albion has moved from the Goldstone Ground, and the central library has relocated from Church Street to its award-winning new home in Jubilee Street.

"There will also be lots of new sections and surprising and quirky facts and figures about Brighton."

Rose Collis said:
"This is my tenth book to date and has been one of the most exciting and enjoyable that I've ever worked on.

"As well as doing archive research, I've been out on lots of recces, to double-check on references to buildings in the original text, and taking hundreds of new black and white photographs, many of which will be included in the book. I'm certain that the New Encyclopaedia of Brighton will have something for everyone to enjoy and to learn."

 A taster of the Brighton facts and figures included:
- The last live show at the Hippodrome was a concert by the Beatles in 1964
- Brighton's first supermarket, Fine Fare, opened in 1955 in  Western Road and was said to be 'the largest of its kind in  Europe '
- The Royal Pavilion is the only royal palace in  Britain not owned by the State or Crown
- Virginia Woolf had her last restaurant meal in the Sussex Grill in  Ship Street on March 27 1941, she drowned herself in the River Ouse the following morning
- The first plane to land in  Brighton did so in 1911, a Bleriot monoplane which landed on the beach near  Paston Place
- Comedian Dave Allen began his career as a Butlin's Redcoat at the Ocean Hotel. He was giving a tour to guests when it began to rain so lead them into the ballroom, grabbed a stool, and began telling stories for an hour
- The Running Horse pub in  King Street was  Brighton 's first courthouse
- A recording of the bells of St Peter's Church is played in the Church of St Peter del Mar, near  San Diego ,  California
- Singer Leo Sayer helped to rescue guests from a fire at the King's Hotel when he was working there as an 18-year-old porter

The New Encyclopaedia of Brighton, price £20, will be available from libraries in Brighton & Hove, the council's website and local bookshops. Signed copies can also be ordered in advance by purchasing a voucher in the city's libraries.

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk