Brighton Unitarian Church
Brighton Unitarian Church is a Greek Revival chapel on New Road, close to the Royal Pavilion and the city's theatres. Designed by Amon Henry Wilds and opened in 1820, its four-column Doric portico, modelled on a temple in Athens, is one of the most striking frontages in central Brighton.
Photos
Benjamin Mak
Regency architecture
The church opened on 20 August 1820 on land sold by the Prince Regent, the same royal patron behind the nearby Royal Pavilion. Amon Henry Wilds, one of the architects who shaped Regency Brighton, designed it at the request of the first minister, Dr Morell. The stuccoed front is modelled on the Temple of Theseus in Athens, with four Doric columns. Wilds also designed many of the town's terraces in this period.
A working chapel
It is Grade II listed and still an active Unitarian chapel, with a weekly Sunday service and room for around 100 people. Because it is a place of worship rather than a museum, access to the interior depends on services and events, so check the church's website before planning to go inside.
Seeing it
New Road is a short street between the Royal Pavilion Gardens and the North Laine, so you will likely pass the portico while exploring. Pause for the frontage, then carry on to the Royal Pavilion or the independent shops of the North Laine. The Mash Tun pub is almost opposite, and the Garden Cafe sits in the Pavilion Gardens nearby.
Highlights
- Greek Revival chapel opened in 1820
- Designed by Regency architect Amon Henry Wilds
- Doric portico modelled on the Temple of Theseus, Athens
- Grade II listed, beside the Royal Pavilion Gardens
Good to know
- An active place of worship with a Sunday service
- Interior access depends on services and events
Frequently asked questions
Sources: en.wikipedia.org