Chapel Royal, Brighton

The Chapel Royal is a significant 18th-century place of worship located in the heart of Brighton, part of the city of Brighton and Hove. Originally built as a chapel of ease, it quickly became one of Brighton's most prominent churches, closely associated with the Prince Regent and the fashionable society of the Regency era. The chapel, which remains an active church today, has undergone several architectural changes since its construction, reflecting its evolving role in the community.

The original structure of the Chapel Royal was designed in a Classical style, featuring a stuccoed exterior with rounded sash windows and a pediment adorned with the Prince Regent's coat of arms. A row of Doric columns flanked the entrance, and the interior boasted galleries on each wall, supported by decorated columns, with a tall, ornate pulpit and a gallery above the altar that housed the organ.

Significant alterations were made to the chapel in the late 19th century. Between 1876 and 1877, the gallery above the altar was removed, and a chancel was added, separated from the nave by an iron rood screen. Further exterior modifications occurred in the 1880s and 1890s, primarily due to the widening of North Street, which necessitated rebuilding the south and east elevations. The exterior was transformed from stucco to red brick, and a tall clock tower with flintwork and a hipped slate roof was added, becoming one of the chapel's most distinctive features.

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the Chapel Royal has a rich musical tradition, with regular concerts held, particularly on Tuesdays. The chapel also plays an active role in the community, offering regular services and hosting a coffee shop run by parishioners to support local charities.

The Chapel Royal was listed as a Grade II* building on July 30, 1992, recognizing its importance as one of the 70 Grade II*-listed buildings and structures in Brighton and Hove, out of a total of 1,218 listed buildings in the city. Today, it continues to be a vital part of Brighton's spiritual and cultural life.