Mystery Photos of Brighton and Hove

Was this outside Brighton Town Hall?

By Irene Marriott

Earlier this year my daughter-in-law's grandfather died at the age of 93. In clearing out his effects she came across this photograph. Her grandfather, Frank Harrop, is standing in the middle at the back. We know for a fact he only ever worked for Brighton Town Hall, ending up as clerk to the council. They kept his job open for him through the war. This photo is obviously wartime, but by June 1940 he was in the army processing soldiers at Dover arriving back from Dunkirk.

Our query is where is this taken? We think it is at the Town Hall or in that vicinity, maybe the old Market is in the background? It is sure to be Brighton as apart from war service he never left the town.

Photo:Was this taken outside Brighton Town Hall?

Was this taken outside Brighton Town Hall?

From the private collection of Irene Marriott

This page was added on 17/11/2013.
Comments about this page

Is it Brighton station?

By Diane (17/11/2013)

Yes it is the Town Hall, and it is the old market in the background!

By Peter Groves (17/11/2013)

I'm pretty sure the shot was taken outside Brighton Town Hall, with the long since demolished Floral Hall building, Market Street in the background to the left.

By Alan Hobden (19/11/2013)

Hello Irene. I went into Brighton this morning, and took the opportunity to look at the Town Hall. I was able to confirm that the south-west corner of the building is pictured in your photo. The ledge immediately "above" Frank Harrop's head is still there, as is the corresponding one to the left of the window, together with the distinctive stepped architectural features around the window itself. The piles of sandbags have gone though! Regards, Alan.

By Alan Hobden (27/11/2013)

Fantastic photo. Yes, definitely outside the Town Hall with the Floral Hall Market behind. They must be standing at the south of the Town Hall. Would be great to compare a 'now' photo. 

By Carol Homewood (05/12/2013)

I don't know where the photo was taken but I remember the surname of Harrop. There was a Harrop family living behind the farm at Heathill Avenue, Lower Bevendean. I'm sure the father was called Frank.

By Linda Hampson (27/10/2014)
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