Things to do
Resources
Local history resources
Brighton History Centre is a unique focal point for the city’s historical collections, There are additional resources available on Hove’s local history at Hove Library.
Did you know that Whitehawk’s earliest residents were cannibals? Or that Erroll Flynn’s parents lived in Woodingdean? Or that Brighton holds the largest number of Jedis in the UK according to the 2001 census? Explore the city’s colourful residents and personalities, extraordinary architecture and landmarks, exciting and ground-breaking events, and fascinating social and cultural developments.
Or maybe you want to find out more about your house, your street, your district and the people who lived there. Or perhaps you need some material, images or facts to help with a project, essay, dissertation or article?
You can find a list of resources on our Local history pages.
Family history resources
Where do I come from?
Start a journey of discovery into your ancestry and genealogy. At Brighton History Centre you will find many different lists, registers, directories and records that can help you delve into your family’s past. Want an example to get you started? Read more about a Brighton family we've researched here.
Much of the information listed below is available on microfiche only. To avoid disappointment contact us to pre-book a slot on a microfiche reader before you arrive.
You can access the 1911 census by using Find My Past (findmypast.com) vouchers available at the Brighton History Centre. Vouchers are £5 and each entitles you to 40 credits. You can view a transcript of the census form for 10 credits or see a copy of the original document for 30 credits. You can use the voucher for many other resources, including birth, marriage and death records and census returns 1841–1901.
You can find a list of resources on our Local history pages.
Collections resources
Browse our reference books and catalogues relating to the Royal Pavilion & Museums Collections
Events
Brighton History Centre hosts a number of events of interest to local and family historians. Details of these can be found on our What's On pages.
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