St. Bartholomew's Church, Brighton

Saint Bartholomew's Church in Brighton is a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture, notable for its towering height and distinctive red-brick construction. Situated on Ann Street, between Brighton railway station and the A23 London Road, the church is a prominent landmark visible from many parts of the city. Dedicated to the apostle Bartholomew, this Anglican church was a project spearheaded by Revd Arthur Douglas Wagner, who took over after the death of his father, Revd Henry Michell Wagner, Vicar of Brighton since 1824.

Arthur Wagner, who was deeply committed to expanding the number of parish churches in Brighton, initially built a temporary church and school on Providence Place in 1868. However, he soon embarked on a more ambitious plan to construct a permanent church nearby. Although his original 1871 design envisioned a combined church and school, Wagner revised the plans in 1873 to focus on a shorter but much taller church. Construction began shortly after, and the church opened its doors on September 18, 1874, with seating for 1,500 people and free entry—a first for Brighton at the time. This move was controversial among local clergy, as it disrupted the income they traditionally earned from "pew rents."

The design of Saint Bartholomew's Church was entrusted to Edmund Scott, a Brighton-based architect known for his work in the Gothic Revival style. Scott, who was not aligned with any specific architectural movement, may have been significantly influenced by Wagner, who was willing to spare no expense on the project. Despite his modest architectural portfolio, Scott's design for Saint Bartholomew's stands out as one of his most significant works, alongside the Gothic Revival Saint Botolph's Church in Worthing and earlier works such as Saint Andrew's Church in Portslade.

Saint Bartholomew's Church is a Grade I-listed building, recognized for its exceptional architectural and historic importance. Its size provides unique acoustics and space for large audiences, making it ideal for classical and other music concerts.