The Regency Town House

Interest in local history

In the early 1990’s my partner and I returned from Turkey and my interest in local history began to grow. I started researching Brunswick Town and ‘discovered’ the Regency Town House at 10 Brunswick Square. At that time, Nick Tyson was still trying to turn the house back from its conversion into flats, to it’s origins as a single grand house.

Restoration project

The basement of Brunswick Square had also been bought, with the help of a grant from the National Heritage Fund. The flat was still in its original state, due to being lived in by housekeepers for many years and eventually lived in by their daughter until she died. I can remember that due to broken windows, the flat had become infested with pigeons. Clearing it out, with other volunteers, just before we were due to open it to the public, was an experience I shall never forget and hopefully never repeat.

A learning experience

Nick also organised the Heritage Weekends on Brunswick Lawns, which were enjoyed by hundreds of people. Many of the craftsmen and women who carry out restorations and repairs of historic buildings locally were there, and they were such interesting events. I learnt so much from the Town House that I went on to do guided tours – Brighton for Beginners and Hove for Beginners – during the Brighton Festival a couple of years later.