The Royal Pavilion was originally a simple farmhouse that George, Prince of Wales, rented when he first began visiting Brighton in 1783. He loved the informal atmosphere of the town and in 1787 he asked Henry Holland to design a neo-classical villa, known as the Marine Pavilion, on the site.
From 1802 the interiors were decorated with a Chinese theme. In 1811 George became prince regent and soon after he employed John Nash to expand the building. Between 1815 and 1822 it was transformed into the present Pavilion, with the exterior inspired by Indian architecture.
George IV was king from 1820 to 1830, only a ten year reign.
William IV, shared King Georges fondness for Brighton and also used the Pavilion as a Royal residence. Their niece, Queen Victoria, was not fond of Brighton finding the town to be "far too crowded" and sold the Pavilion to the town of Brighton in 1850, having first stripped it of all its furniture and fittings.
Since then much of the original furniture and decorations have been returned and restored.
Brighton's award winning museum and art gallery is situated in the former stables buildings of the Royal Pavilion.
Today it houses some of the most extensive collections of national importance as well as depicting the history of Brighton from war times to Brighton's bright gay culture.
In adjacent rooms it also houses art exhibitions of some of England's modern artists of today.
The gardens between the Pavilion and the Museum is the perfect place for Saturday and Sunday art in the park "on good weather days", the minute the sun is out, people flock to these areas with their picnic blankets, good food, good wine and good friends.
They can enjoy anything from Jazz artists, classical violin, rock guitar, mime shows etc.
A great day out in the green of England.
The Famous Punch & Judy show marionettes.
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