it has extensive corn-fields, which slope from the Downs toward the sea. The hills round Brighton are of easy access, and covered with an agreeable verdure. From their summits the Isle of Wight may be plainly seen, with a pleasing view of the weald of Sussex. The soil is naturally dry, and the heaviest rains that fall here Seldom prevent the exercise of walking or riding for any length of time after they have ceased; a circumstance not unworthy of regard, in a place of pleasurable attraction. It must be allowed indeed, that independently of the celebrity it derives from its royal and noble visitors, no part of the kingdom enjoys a more salubrious air. It is considered as an extraordinary case for the natives or constant residents to be troubled with a cough, or any pulmonary complaint; and hence it has been warmly recommended by medical men, as a superior situation for the recovery or preservation of health. In cold weather it is sheltered by the hills from chilling blasts; and in the hotest season of the year, the breezes from the sea are refreshing and salutary. The sea-water is highly impregnated with salt; and the beach, being a clean gravel and sand, with a gradual descent, is peculiarly favourable for bathing. Dr. Russel was very instrumental in bringing this place into fashionable notice, and it has since been adopted by personages the best qualified by rank and fortune to keep up its fame and its consequence, which various circumstances lead us to suppose are still likely to in crease. Brighton, or rather Brighthelmstone, was formerly a fishing-town; and many of its inhabitants still depend principally on the fisheries for a subsistence. It contained at that period seven principal streets, besides several lanes; and was defended by strong fortifications; having been several times attempted by the French, but without effect.* The ruins of a wall are still to be seen on the beach under the cliff, which appear to have been built by queen Elizabeth. This wall was fourteen feet high, and extended 400 feet from the east to the west gate of the town. In 1758 the eastern gate was taken down, to allow space for constructing a battery; but this being demolished by the sea, two others have been erecteds one on the east and the other on the west of the town, in situations that will secure them from the annoyance of the waves. Both are mounted with heavy metal; and behind the western battery is a handsome house for the use of the gunner, with magazines and other appropriate offices. When Henry VIII. fortified the coast by a number of castles, some of which are still in use, he erected a block-house here, at some distance from the edge of the cliff; but the continual encroachments of the sea gradually sapped its foundation, and occasioned its fall. Indeed it is evident that the sea has been long gaining on this coast; and it is believed that there was once a street below the cliff; in confirmation of which, ruins are recorded to have been seen under water, but at present no such vestiges remain. In 1699 however, it is computed that 130 houses were swept away by the sea; and to escape this danger in future, a fund has been established by act of parlia *On the west side of the town, a great number of human bones have been found; whence it has been concluded that some important battle has been fought here, of which however we have no historical evidence. Many are of opinion that Cæsar, in one of his expeditions, landed at this place. Between Lewes and Brighton are still to be seen lines and intrenchments which are apparently Roman; and some years ago an urn was dug up in this neighbourhood, containing 1000 silver denarii, on which were impressions of all the emperors from Antoninus Pius to Philip. Druidical altars have also been discovered here. |