HOLIDAYS AT BRIGHTON.

Brighton, from the end of the Pier.

HOLIDAYS AT BRIGHTON; OR, SEA-SIDE AMUSEMENTS.

LONDON: PUBLISHED BY DARTON AND HARVEY, GRACECHURCH STREET

1834.

LONDON: Joseph Rickerby, Printer, Sherbourn Lane.

[Pg 1]

HOLIDAYS AT BRIGHTON.

CHAPTER I.

“Edward! Edward!” cried little Lewis Ashton; “when will you open your sleepy eyes? Here I am almost dressed, and you are not awake yet. You forget we are not in London, where nothing is to be seen but dull streets and black looking houses; or at school, where the first thing to be heard in the morning, is the sound[Pg 2] of the great bell calling us to lessons.”

“No, I do not,” cried Edward, starting up as though the great bell had really roused him from his slumbers: “we are in Brighton at last; in Brighton, where the king and queen live, and where there are so many grand things to be seen: but what I want to see more than all is the deep wide sea. It was so dark when we came here last night, that what papa told me was the sea looked only, as we rode along, like a line of black clouds.”

“Come to the window, then,” said Lewis, “and you will see that it looks bright and blue this morning. How the waves sparkle in the sun-beams! Those vessels in the distance[Pg 3] must be fishing-boats, from their size; or is it because they are so very far away that they seem so small?”

“Some are larger than others,” said Edward: “and, look! it must be a steam-vessel which is smoking so, at the end of that long bridge we see in the distance. Let us go and ask papa to take us there; it wants nearly an hour to breakfast-time yet.”

Away ran both the children, Lewis wondering much what the long bridge he had seen from the window could be intended for, as he saw no shore at the further end—nothing but the wide blue sea.

Mr. Ashton told his little boys, he should soon be ready to accompany[Pg 4] them; and Edward and Lewis amused themselves, till he made his appearance, in looking again at the new scene before them, from the windows of their sitting-room. Lewis soon espied a strange-looking building, different from any that he ever remembered to have seen before. Edward could only guess that it must be the Pavilion which they saw, with its domes and minarets. But now papa’s voice was heard from the hall, and the boys lost no time in obeying the summons.

“Which way are we to walk?” said Mr. Ashton, taking a hand of each; “we must not be gone long, your mamma says.”

The Chain Pier, Brighton.

“Oh, papa, do take us to that strange-looking bridge. Why did [Pg 5]they build it there, running out into the sea?”

Edward thought it might be for the accommodation of passengers, landing or embarking by the steam-vessels; but he did not see any occasion for its being of so great a length.

Mr. Ashton told them that the Chain-pier (for such the building was called) was used in the manner Edward had supposed; but that it was erected principally for the convenience of the visitors and inhabitants of Brighton, and that it forms one of the most agreeable walks in the town; “for, here” said he, as they passed the noble esplanade which forms the entrance to the pier, “we can enjoy the pure sea-breezes, without the[Pg 6] danger or difficulty of going out in an open boat.”

When they reached the platform, which is erected at the end of the pier, Edward and Lewis were full of wonder and delight. Papa pointed out to them the fine view of Brighton, and the line of coast on each side; then the wide expanse of sea, and the vessels, with their white sails swelling in the breeze.

The pier that morning presented a busy scene, with the passengers embarking on board the steam-packet, for Dieppe; and the little boys turned reluctantly from the spot, when Mr. Ashton warned them that it was time they were on their way homeward.

“Dear papa,” said Edward, “will[Pg 7] you be so good as to tell us who planned this noble pier, and how they could contrive to build it of so great a length, and yet strong enough to stand against the winds and waves?”

“Wait one moment,” cried Lewis; “I have not explored the lower part of the pier yet. You will let us, papa:” and the boys ran down the steps, which descended to the platform beneath that on which they had been standing.

“Well,” said Mr. Ashton, as they came panting up to him again, “what is the result of your researches? Edward looks as if he had something very important to communicate.”

“We saw nothing but baths, papa,” said Lewis.

[Pg 8]

“Yes,” said Edward, “I believe I saw the piles on which this platform stands.”

“You are right,” said his father; “these piles are driven ten feet into the solid rock, and they rise thirteen feet above high-water mark. The four iron towers which you see, are all erected on platforms similarly raised: the towers are each two hundred feet apart. These suspension-chains are of wrought-iron: they are firmly fixed at the one end to the timber work of the pier-head, and at the other, they pass into tunnels formed in the cliff, and are secured to an immense iron-plate.”

“This beautiful structure was erected under the superintendence of Captain Brown, a British naval officer:[Pg 9] the expense of the work was thirty thousand pounds; and it was completed in the short space of twelve months.”

“Well,” said Edward, “I should hardly have thought, with all his precautions, it would have withstood such storms as I have heard uncle Tom speak of, when the sea runs mountains high, and breaks over the tall masts of the ship, as though it would be swallowed up every instant. I am sure uncle Tom will never make a sailor of me.”

“I do not wish he should, my boy,” said Mr. Ashton; “yet you must do your best to overcome your natural timidity, or you will find it a source of trouble and inconvenience to you in passing through life. But to return[Pg 10] to the pier. I do not wonder you should doubt its strength, judging from its light and elegant appearance; and yet, I assure you, it is better calculated to withstand the force of the waves than buildings of solid masonry, which present a greater resistance to them. However, I must honestly tell you, that the chain-pier received considerable injury only a few months back, in a very heavy gale, which blew from the south-west. Many of the caps and chains were displaced, and the planks torn up by the violence of the wind, which seemed to set directly against it.”

“Were you at Brighton then, papa?”

“No; but I was once here during[Pg 11] a much severer storm, when few persons expected that a vestige of this elegant structure would remain.”

“Oh, do tell us about it, papa!” exclaimed both the children; and Mr. Ashton, in compliance with their entreaties, began:—

“It was on the 22nd of November, 1824, that Brighton was visited with the awful tempest of which I have been speaking. The night was dark and gloomy, and the clouds which swept across the sky, from time to time, told of the coming storm. Many hands were busily employed in dragging the bathing-machines, boats, &c. from their usual places on the beach to more sheltered situations; while the inhabitants of the[Pg 12] cottages, on the southern coast, looked fearfully out, from time to time, into the gloom which they tried in vain to penetrate.

“The dreaded storm came at last; and it seemed as though nothing could escape its fury. Louder and louder peals of thunder burst upon the ear, while the livid glare of the lightning only made the darkness look more terrible.

“At length the day began to dawn, and revealed a spectacle more grand, yet awful, than you can well imagine. The deafening roar of winds and waters continued. In looking seaward, nothing but sheets of dazzling foam met the eye; whilst the huge breakers, now bursting on the shore, now dashing[Pg 13] themselves against the cliffs, seemed ready to swallow up all that opposed them.”

“Oh! the beautiful pier,” cried Lewis, “what became of it then?”

“It was safe,” replied his papa; “amid the contending elements, there it stood, stretching out into the sea, now almost hidden beneath the swelling waters, now showing its graceful form uninjured above the retiring waves. Some of the outworks alone were carried away; the pier itself remained entire. But, my children, I thought less at that moment of this beautiful structure, than of such of my fellow-creatures as were wanderers on ocean’s troubled breast: the thought of the hardships they must have endured in that night of[Pg 14] storms made me sad, whilst my heart was raised in thankfulness to Him who had cast my lot in scenes less fraught with peril.”

Mr. Ashton would have told his little boys, that under the protecting providence of God we are alike safe, whether on sea or land; but he was interrupted by the rough voice of a sailor who stood by them, and seemed to forget, while listening to the gentleman’s narration, that he was in any other company than his own.

“Ah! sure enough, they have reason to be thankful to the end of their days who got safe ashore. Yes, it was in that very storm my poor Will was lost, and Mary and the babies left to struggle as they could: but they shall[Pg 15] never want a crust while old Tom Price has one to share with them.”

Mr. Ashton turned to look on the speaker. Time and care had deeply furrowed the cheeks of the old seaman, and long exposure to hardships had given a stern expression to his features; but there was something in his voice and manner which interested his hearers.

“Do you live here? Shall you ever go to sea again? Can you tell us more about that terrible storm?” with many other questions, were asked by the children; nor did Mr. Ashton take his leave until he had learned the old seaman’s place of abode, and promised, before very long, to pay him a visit.

“And, now boys,” said he, “for[Pg 16] a run: mamma will think us long in coming; and if you are as hungry as I am, you will not be sorry to sit down to breakfast.”

The Esplanade, Brighton, looking toward Shoreham.

[Pg 17]

CHAPTER II.

Many days did not pass away before Edward and Lewis had made themselves pretty well acquainted with the town of Brighton; its principal streets, public buildings, squares, esplanades, &c.

Mr. Ashton was obliged to leave his family sooner than he had anticipated; but the little boys ever found a friend and companion in their affectionate mother, ready to enter into their plans, and assist them in any difficulty.

[Pg 18]

The children spent much of their time out of doors, but sometimes it happened, that their mamma was not at liberty to accompany them; or, worse than all, the weather would not permit their leaving the house; and there was then little passing in the streets. At such times the question was, “What shall we do to amuse and employ ourselves? If we were at home, we could look at some of the large books of prints in the library, or read some of our own, or play with our historical or geographical games.”

At last mamma thought of a plan, and the boys agreed that it would be a very good one. Edward and Lewis were each provided with a little book, in which they intended to[Pg 19] write an account of any thing that interested them, during their stay at Brighton, Mrs. Ashton promising to assist them with any information in her power; and thus they were furnished with amusement and instruction for many a leisure hour. Then came the comparison of the memorandums each had made.

Lewis found Edward had mentioned many things that had never entered his little giddy head; at any rate, he seemed to think them not worth remembering. Perhaps you would have thought Lewis’s history the most entertaining; but then there were many blotted leaves, and sentences left unfinished. Often, when he was seated at the table, intending to write very industriously, the sound[Pg 20] of a horn, or of a passing vehicle, would draw him to the window; then he must wait to see the passengers mount, and the coach start: then a gay party on horseback would pass, or a pretty little chaise drawn by a goat, till he found it very difficult to recall his scattered thoughts; and the memorandum-book stood a poor chance of coming in for a share of his attention. He really was sorry, however, when he compared his brother’s neatly written pages with his own, and thought how much more pleasure his papa would have in looking at them.

“Edward,” said he, one day, looking over his brother’s shoulder, “where did you learn all this about the early history of Brighton?”

[Pg 21]

Edward confessed that he should have known very little about it, if his mamma had not assisted him, and pointed out the accounts in some of the books at the library.

Lewis looked half ashamed; for he recollected that he had had the same opportunity of gaining information.

“Now, Edward,” said he, drawing his chair close to the table, “you shall tell me all you can about it; but I will not promise to write it all in my manuscript book; only the most entertaining things.”

Edward was pleased with the office Lewis had chosen for him.

“First, then,” said he, “I must tell you that Brighton, or more properly Brighthelmstone, is of Saxon[Pg 22] origin; for it is said, the Saxons invaded it in the fifth century, and afterwards settled here. It is said, also, that it took its name from Brighthelm, a Saxon chief, to whom Ella, the invader, gave the place. Many years afterwards it was possessed by the family of Godwin, earl of Kent, and from him it descended to his son Harold.”

“Ah! poor king Harold,” said Lewis, “I recollect he was killed in the battle of Hastings, while he was fighting against William the Conqueror. I think I shall write something about that famous battle.”

Edward thought it would be well to do so, because the battle was fought on that very coast, and because Brighton changed masters in[Pg 23] consequence; for William the Conqueror gave all poor king Harold’s possessions to his son-in-law, William de Warren.

“Perhaps,” Edward said, “you will not think it worth while to notice the next thing my book mentions; which is, that a charter for a weekly market was obtained for the town of Brighton, in 1313.”

Lewis thought it was a sign of its being, even at so early a period, a place of some consequence; and supposed it had been getting larger and richer ever since, until it had grown into what they saw it.

Edward told him he was in a great hurry to finish the story; but that the thievish Danes had no mind for letting Brighton alone so quietly,[Pg 24] whilst it remained open to their attacks, and offered so fair a prospect for their enriching themselves. After the Danes, the French made frequent warlike incursions on this line of coast, plundering and shedding blood wherever they appeared.

“But,” asked Lewis, “why did not the people do something to keep away these troublesome Frenchmen? If they let them come quietly and take away their property, I think they were poor tame things, and did not deserve much pity.”

“Ah! but you are mistaken there,” said Edward: “though their king, Edward III., was engaged in a war in France, and had left his own country undefended, the people here established a protective guard of their[Pg 25] own: they were some of the bravest men among the seamen and inhabitants, and mounted on their fleet horses, they were ready at a moment’s call, when danger was apprehended.”

“Many years after this, during the war between Henry VIII. and Louis XII., the French appeared on the coast, with the intention of burning Brighton. Soon, however, the beacons were lighted; and the people seeing them, far and near, came together in such numbers, that the French thought it best to take themselves off without putting their cruel plan into execution. Queen Elizabeth afterwards granted some money to the town of Brighton, with which land was purchased, and a building[Pg 26] made to hold their stores and ammunition: beside this, she ordered four strong gates to be built, leading from the cliff to the town beneath it, and a high wall of flints, which extended on both sides of the storehouse.”

“Well,” said Lewis, “I think they were pretty well off then, and had no need to fear the French, or any other foes.”

Edward said he thought it was much better to live in peaceable days, such as they lived in, and to have no foes to fear. “But see, Lewis!” he exclaimed, “mamma is coming across the Steyne, and she has something in her hand: who will be there first, to see what it can be? Never mind the history now;[Pg 27] you can have my book in the evening.”

Lewis soon forgot the history and all belonging to it, and was at his mother’s side.

[Pg 28]

CHAPTER III.

“Shells, Edward! bright polished shells and sea-weed!” cried Lewis, as he lifted the paper covering to a small basket which his mamma held in her hand; “where did you get them? not on this barren coast, I am sure; for Edward and I have searched every where, and can find nothing but common things, not worth picking up.”

The Pavilion, Brighton.

“And yet, Lewis,” replied his mother, “I assure you some of these shells were found here; and I believe you will see among them many of the [Pg 29]common ones you despise so much; but the greater part were brought from foreign countries. And the beautiful little basket, that is something new too. Yes, perhaps you may hear the history of that another time. I have been to old Price’s dwelling, and have promised that you shall pay him a visit this evening, should the weather continue fine. But, if I mistake not, you are ready for a walk now:—the shells will furnish us with in-door employment some other time.”

The little party then turned their steps towards the east cliff.

“How I do wish, mamma,” said Lewis, when they had passed the Pavilion, “I could see all that is to be seen in that strange looking building![Pg 30] I should like to go over it, if it were only for the pleasure of being able to say, I had seen the place where the king and queen of England live.”

“Will it not do as well if I tell you all I can about it; for I think there is little chance of your gaining admission to the palace.”

“Not quite so well, mamma; but still it would be very entertaining: and, perhaps, if I were to go to the palace I might be disappointed in it; as much disappointed as Edward and I were in the king and queen. Do you know, we expected to see them dressed in velvet robes, and wearing crowns on their heads; and after all, we could not have told which were their majesties, if papa had not pointed[Pg 31] them out to us: they were just like any other people.”

Mrs. Ashton smiled: she thought the king and queen would be much to be pitied, were they always obliged to wear heavy crowns on their heads and cumbersome dresses, such as Edward and Lewis had imagined. But she told Lewis, she did not think they would be disappointed in the Pavilion, could they obtain a sight of it, and she would do her best to describe it.

Now, thought Lewis, this will be much more entertaining to write in my book than the early history of Brighton, and Edward will know nothing about it; for Edward had run on before, and was at that moment leaning on the railing at the edge of the cliff, and looking down on the[Pg 32] gay parties that passed to and fro on the chain-pier beneath.