Dirty weekend

'Needs must when the Devil drives' John Stamford, 1960s, Brighton Ourstory Project

Brighton's sense of freedom is one of its attractions. But why does it have a reputation as a place for a 'dirty weekend'?

Brighton became known for sexual adventures in Regency times. George IV had a string of mistresses, particularly older women. The presence of the army camp in Brighton added to the town's romantic possibilities. Prostitutes were readily available. There were about 300 in Brighton by Victorian times. The scenes on the beach were said to 'beggar all description'. (Today, local people are outraged by sex adverts in phone boxes.)

In the 1950s, Brighton was convenient for real or staged affairs. To obtain grounds for divorce, some husbands hired a room and a woman, and paid the chambermaid to witness the adultery.

Nowadays, thanks to 'kiss me quick' hats, Carry On films and the nudist beach, the city is still associated with innocent naughtiness.