Conservation Area (CA)
Old Town CA
Local Listing Reference
LLHA0104
Description
Hotel, established before 1600 in Ship Street. It is suggested that the name refers to its construction partly from ship’s timbers. The building was purchased by Nicholas Tettersell in 1671, the owner of the boat that carried the fleeing Charles II to France in 1651. Interior contains a first-floor Assembly Room (listed) and Ballroom designed 1761 by Robert Golden. Golden also redecorated other rooms at this date, which is contemporary with Brighton’s development as a health resort. Seaward facing plot acquired 1794 (containing the current entrance), from where it expanded to the east and west: Ship Street corner block added 1838; extension and frontage modernised in 1895; further extension and garage added 1927-8; block on corner of King’s Road and Black Lion Street rebuilt in 1963-4 by Denman & Son. Source: Antram & Morrice 2008, Collis 2010.
A. Architectural, Design and Artistic Interest
ii. A rare example of an historic purpose-built hotel in the city, whose various phases of development and architectural styles reveal much about changing tastes
iv. The most recent extension is by notable local architect Denman & Son. Despite being taller than its neighbours, it provides a successful modern interpretation of their largely Victorian style.
B. Historic and Evidential Interest
ii. The Old Ship Hotel is the oldest hotel in Brighton, and is directly associated with the development of Brighton as a tourist destination.
v. Its fabric illustrates the changing tastes and priorities over time.
C. Townscape Interest
iii. The building occupies a prominent location on the seafront, and has expanded to fill the full seafront block. It is set back further than the established building line, which further emphasises the building as a local landmark.
iv. Group value through association with the Assembly Room, which is listed
E. Rarity and Representativeness
ii. The oldest and one of few surviving purpose-built hotels in Brighton. Its development phases are representative of the development of the city as a tourist destination.
F. Intactness
i. Its various phases of construction retain many of the historic features, including some historic interiors.
ii. The building remains in use as an hotel
Date of Inclusion
2015
