The house was 'buggy'
My mother was very pleased when she found the house in Artillery Street because it had been newly decorated, but we soon found out that it was `buggy’ and she just kept looking for other places to live from that day on. The house was very small, the front door leading straight into the sitting room, the kitchen at the back and two rooms upstairs. I can’t remember a bathroom, so I don’t think there was one, and I suppose there was a toilet in the back yard, but I have no memory of it.
Along the top of Artillery Street ran Upper Russell Street, where there was a wholesale greengrocer or butcher; and further along was a lovely Jewish baker where they used to have the most wonderful rolls. On Sunday mornings we used to go along and buy those rolls hot. Just near there was a big newsagent and confectioner, at least it seemed big to me, and opposite on a corner was a baker, Gigins I think, where we bought the first cut and wrapped loaves called `Cream of the South’.
I did well at school and passed the scholarship to go to Varndean; in fact I passed the first part for Brighton and Hove High School too. Six of us were put forward for the written exam and I was the only one from my school to pass. Then I had to go for my oral exam, but I didn’t pass that. I expect I didn’t speak well enough.
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I remember Artillery Street very well, but does anyone remember the neighbouring streets as well, Cannon Street Russell Street, Cannon Lane where the traders had their lockups, and the brewery at the bottom of Artillery Street. Also the Meat Marketing Board at the bottom of Russell Street. Lids did have scraps in those days but it never got out of hand. If anyone reading this remembers the Weaver family that lived in Artillery Street they are welcome to contact me on my email address. Being an old Brightonian, now living in the midlands, it makes me very sad when I visit Brighton and see that many of my old haunts have now gone. john.wignall@ntlworld.com
I remember the Jewish bakers very well and also Gigins the bakers. The newsagents was Baldocks who also had a gents barbers in the back.
I also remember Artillery Street very well as I used to live in the street as a child, born at No 2 Artillery Street. I then moved to Scotland and returned and lived with my grand-parents at No 1 Artillery Street. I went to St Paul’s school and left Artillery Street in 1956. My grandfather used to work in Tamplins Brewery which took up most of the east side of Artillery Street. I also remember the stables at the bottom of Artillery Street and my favourite haunts were the Roller Rink and Ice Rink in West Street, all the cinemas in Brighton, particularly the Paladium. I also remember the Weaver family very well; George, Johnny, Cathy, Fairy, Ann and David (God bless them) and many other people who lived there. Nice to hear of other people who remember those days.
I remember the Weavers very well, as I lived on the same street . I lived at number 1, do you remember me? Ron Bartley nickname onkey.
Anyone remember the Bonnot family in Artillery Street?
Was the name Bonnot pronounced “Bonner”? I lived in Artillery St and our next door neighbour was good friends with that family. Our neighbour and my family moved to the same street (approx 1953) and the “Bonner” family moved to Pankhurst Ave and still kept friends with our neighbour.
Hi Pat, thanks for your reply. Indeed, it is likely we got called Bonner and yes, the family did move to Pankhurst Avenue when Artillery Street was no more. My father, Frank, lived in Artillery Street as a young child with his sisters and parents. My Dad’s step sisters, also Bonnots, lived at another house in Artillery Street with their mother as well. Particularly curious regarding any info on Frank Bonnot senior (my grandfather) and his brother Louis who lived nearby.
Hi Sarah, I knew the girls Eve, Fran and Jan. I was in the same class at school as Francis at St Paul’s a long time ago with the great birthday 25 Dec. Hope all’s well with all. Frank lived at number 4. Bye for now RON
Hi Ron Bartley, as your earlier post. I’m the only Weaver left alive of my brothers and sisters: Johnny, David, Fairy/Rose, Carol George. I’ll await your reply, it would be great to swap memories. Cheers Kathy
Hi, I’m a New Zealander living in Brighton. I have an ancestor, Henry Walles, a bricklayer, who lived in ‘Artillery Road’ in the 1820s. He married a Mary Bridger at St Nicholas Church in 1828 and they had a son Henry who was baptised at ‘Graham’s Gardens’ – can anyone tell me anything more about any of those places – where was Artillery St/Rd?
Hi Neill, I have not come across Artillery Road before, but there was ~ Court, ~ Mews, ~ Place and ~ Street. It most likely was Artillery Street, which ran off Great Russell Street at around number 56. The others were in the vicinity of Cannon Place. Graham’s Gardens was in the vicinity of Western Street, but I cannot say precisely where. All of them have long since been obliterated by subsequent redevelopment. Regards, Andy
I’m thinking of producing a short film about life in the roads which now lie under Churchill Square. I would love to hear everyday life stories from people who lived there. If you’re interested in contributing, contact chinookdesign@gmail.com Many thanks.
Kathy Weller nee Weaver, do you remember me, Margaret Collins? My brother was called Codge. My mum was a friend of your mum.
Hello, none of you probably know me but I’m Johnny Weaver. I’m Johnny Weaver’s son, nephew of George, Dave, Cathy and related to all of the others. Unfortunately I’m pretty much the last Weaver left but wish I had been around in those days as they seem to be some of the best times in Brighton.
Hi Johnny, your’e not the only Weaver! I’m here.
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