French Reformed Church, built by local architect J.G.Gibbins in 1887-8 to serve the French speaking population and visitors to Brighton.
Regency Square CA
LLHA0178
French Reformed Church, built by local architect J.G.Gibbins in 1887-8 to serve the French speaking population and visitors to Brighton. One of only two such purposebuilt churches in the country, the other being in Soho Square, London (listed grade II, constructed 1891-3). The small chapel is built in red-brick, with a steeply-pitched slate roof surmounted by a turreted lantern. Three Gothic windows to west side, of which the central window rises into a small gable end. South elevation incorporates the main entrance, housed within a pointed-arch with carving above. Above the door is a circular window with quatrefoil tracery. The east elevation is blank. Small apse to north. Converted in 2009-10 to residential use, with the external appearance retained as well as many features of the original plain interior. Items relating to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee were apparently discovered within the central foundation stone in 2010, including a newspaper, Jubilee medal and a number of Jubilee coins. Source: Antram & Morrice 2008
ii A good example of a small chapel of a rare denomination
i Within the Regency Square conservation area, the chapel is atypical of the architectural style, period and predominant building use in the area. Its scale contrasts markedly with the neighbouring Metropole Hotel, making it a striking part of the streetscene
ii One of only two surviving purpose-built chapels associated with the French Protestant movement in England
i The building remains largely intact, despite conversion to residential use
2015
