Victorian Infrastructure 

1837 - 1901AD

The growing population of Hove needed new systems of transport, law and order as well as buildings for education, health and worship. Electricity, gas and water works and improved sewers were needed to provide power and adequate sanitation for new homes. The period also saw a rapid growth in light and service industries.

Education

Before the 1880s schools were mainly attended by children from wealthier families. Hove had many private schools serving the sons and daughters of 'gentlemen'. After the 1880 Education Act all children between the ages of five and ten had to go to school, and as a result many new schools were built.

Transport

Trains arrived at Portslade and Holland Road, Hove from May 1840. In 1865 a second station opened in Hove at the top of Goldstone Villas. In 1884 a tramway opened between Shoreham and Westbourne Villas, Aldrington. Public transport in Hove was limited to horse buses because the Hove Commissioners wouldnt allow rails to run through the town.

Commerce

Traditionally the prosperity of Hove was based on agriculture and fishing. During Victorian times industry and trade developed as the population grew.

Light industries established at this time included a saw mill, breweries and laundries. With a department store at Palmeira Square and shops such as ironmongers, haberdashers, grocers and butchers opening along Church Road, residents of Hove had everything they needed on their doorstep.

Religion

Churches were built to serve Hove's new neighbourhoods. These included St John the Baptist, built for Adelaide Crescent and Palmeira Square and St Barnabas' for the Poets' Corner area. In 1852 the first private synagogue opened in Hove on Brunswick Terrace for the growing Jewish community.

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