Sport 

'2-4-6-8 Who do we appreciate?'

John Gorringe, watching Brighton Tigers at SS Brighton, 1950s

Changes in employment law during the Victorian period meant that working people gained time and money for leisure. Much of this was spent on sport. Brighton Council and local benefactors began to provide parks and sports facilities for everyone. 

Cricket and horseracing, which still thrive in the city today, had taken place in Brighton from the mid 1700s, sea-swimming for pleasure became very popular as it was free and the town's first professional football club, Brighton United, was founded in 1898. 

Greater awareness of public health in the 1930s, led to the development of sporting complexes like SS Brighton, Withdean Stadium and Black Rock swimming pool. Many became homes to successful teams such as Brighton Tigers Ice Hockey team and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. 

Sport is still important to Brighton's residents. In the late 1990s, Brighton & Hove Albion's ground was sold and home games were played in Gillingham, Kent. However, continued pressure from supporters saw the team return to the town in 1999.

Back to top