St. George's Church, Brighton

Saint George's Church is an Anglican church located in the Kemptown area of Brighton, within the city of Brighton and Hove. It was built in the early 19th century at the behest of Thomas Read Kemp, the developer behind the Kemp Town estate. This estate, situated on the cliffs to the east of Brighton, led to the church becoming the parish church for the wider Kemptown area. The building is recognized as a Grade II listed structure, signifying its historical and architectural importance.

The church was designed by the architect Charles Busby in a Neoclassical style, characterized by its simple, clean lines and symmetrical form. The exterior of the church is made of yellow brick with some stucco detailing. The design features regularly spaced pairs of round-headed windows and a deep, unornamented cornice. The entrance, located on the western face of the building, is flanked by Ionic columns and pilasters, and a central tower capped by a cupola with a small cross. In 1840, clock faces were added to the tower.

Inside, the church is notable for its galleries on the northern, southern, and western sides, which are accessed by curved staircases. Originally, there was a three-tier pulpit at the eastern end, near the reredos, and the organ, crafted by the J.C. Bishop & Son organ builder firm, was located in the western gallery.

Saint George's became a parish church in 1879, covering eastern Brighton, including Kemptown, Whitehawk, Brighton Marina, and Roedean School. The church also hosts a community center and a café in the crypt, supported by the EU's "URBAN" regeneration fund. Besides its religious role, Saint George's is a major venue for alternative and folk music in Brighton, serving as both a spiritual and cultural hub.