Brighton Unitarian Church Dominic Alves

Brighton Unitarian Church

Brighton Unitarian Church is the centrepiece of the city's Cultural Quarter and is intricately interwoven with the story of the Prince Regent (later George IV) from whom the land on which the church was built was purchased.

Brighton, Sussex

Opening times

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-5pm, and Thursday 9.30am-4.30pm.

Address

New Road
Brighton
Sussex
BN1 1UF

The land was once part of the gardens of the Prince Regent's Royal Pavilion. Built in 1820 along classical lines, its model being the ancient Temple of Theseus in Athens. The fabric of Brighton Unitarian has significant heritage value, its design is wildly different from all the other buildings in the area. It stands apart, but very definitely forms part of the Regency narrative. A narrative and a history that is now understood around the world.

The heritage of Brighton Unitarian Church is intricately interwoven with the story of the Prince Regent (later George IV) from whom the land on which the church was built was purchased. The church building was completed in 1820, designed along classical lines its model being the ancient Temple of Theseus in Athens. The columns of the church's portico make Brighton Unitarian a notable landmark in Brighton's famous Regency streetscape.

Inside the design is simple, however, there are three stained glass windows; the Sower's Window was the gift of Mrs Nye Chart, one time owner of the Theatre Royal a near neighbour of the church. Another stained glass window, the Suffer Little Children window, was the gift of the younger children of the congregation and the children of the Sunday School.

The church's fabric also provides a valuable record of the congregation's sacrifice during the First World War. There is a beautiful stained glass window and war plaque roll of honour dedicated to them. Another strand of the church's heritage is the magnificent Kirkland Organ, restored and installed in 1973, an attraction to those on the heritage route.

Brighton Unitarian is also of significance to the wider community. The church is situated in the city centre, New Road being the centrepiece of Cultural Quarter, making it a very attractive destination for visitors. They like to come inside, but also to sit on the steps and soak up the area's unique, historic atmosphere.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Famous connections

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access throughout

  • Parking within 250m

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Train station within 250m

  • Wifi

  • Friday lunchtime concerts: doors and coffee/tea from 12 noon (donate as you feel), concerts 12.30-1.15pm, suggested donation £5 on the door - cash or card. Our concert programmes are diverse - mostly classical but also contemporary, jazz and folk, with many showing off our beautiful Steinway piano. The performers are a mixture of top local talent and touring musicians from across the globe. These affordable concerts are the perfect way to spend your Friday lunchtimes, enjoying a rich variety of music in our beautiful Grade II listed church, located right in the cultural heart of the city.

  • Unitarian Church

  • Repair Grant, £10,000, 2018

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Paul

Brighton, Sussex

One of the glories of the church is a complete series of stained glass windows designed by AWN Pugin.

St Peter

Brighton, Sussex

St Peter's was founded as a chapel of ease associated with Brighton's oldest church and its existing parish church, St Nicholas.

St Mary

Kemp Town, Sussex

St Mary's is a serenely beautiful Victorian church, friendly and inclusive, which doubles up as an atmospheric performance venue with a great vibe and super acoustic.