Palmeira Square, Brighton

Palmeira Square is a mid-19th-century residential development located in Hove, part of the seaside resort of Brighton and Hove. The square, known for its architectural significance, is situated between Adelaide Crescent to the south, leading down to the seafront, and a major road junction to the north, also named Palmeira Square. The square is characterized by large terraced houses on its western and eastern sides, which are separated by a public garden, and it features a mix of late 19th-century terraced mansions, commercial buildings, and a church at its northern end.

Palmeira Square occupies a site with a unique history. Originally home to the Anthaeum, a large conservatory designed by botanist Henry Phillips, the structure tragically collapsed on its opening day in 1833, leading to Phillips's blindness. The site remained in ruins for years until construction of the square began in the early 1850s, with most work completed by the mid-1860s. Additional buildings, including Palmeira House and Gwydyr Mansions, were added at the northern end in the late 19th century.

Architecturally, Palmeira Square is notable for its Victorian Italianate style, which represents a transition from the earlier Regency style. The square's design, while evolving from the neighboring Adelaide Crescent's Regency influence, ultimately developed into a more elaborate Victorian/Italianate interpretation. The buildings in Palmeira Square are recognized for their architectural and historical importance, with English Heritage listing them as Grade II, and one building achieving the higher Grade II* status due to its opulent custom-designed interior.

Palmeira Square's development history reflects a broader trend in Brighton and Hove, where residential projects often took longer to complete than initially planned. Despite the delays, the square's cohesive design, grandeur, and scale contribute significantly to the architectural heritage of the area, making it a key example of mid-19th-century residential architecture in Brighton and Hove.