St. Peter's Church, Brighton

Saint Peter's Church in Brighton is a significant example of pre-Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Constructed between 1824 and 1828, the church was designed by Sir Charles Barry, who would later become famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament. This early work of Barry's, created while he was still in his mid-twenties, is considered one of the finest representations of the Gothic Revival style before the Victorian era. Saint Peter's Church is a Grade II* listed building, reflecting its historical and architectural importance.

Initially established as a chapel of ease for Brighton's oldest church, Saint Nicholas, Saint Peter's Church became the parish church of Brighton from 1873 until 2007. It is often unofficially referred to as "Brighton's Cathedral" due to its imposing presence and central role in the city's religious life.

The church's design features elements typical of the 14th- and 15th-century Perpendicular or Late Gothic style, common among the Commissioners' churches of that period. Although it was not a strict revival of this style, the building was praised for its inventiveness and boldness. The foundation stone was laid in 1824 by the Revd R. J. Carr, who also led the church's consecration ceremony in 1828.

Over the years, the church underwent several alterations, including the removal of side aisle galleries and the demolition of Barry's original hexagonal apse in 1898. This was replaced with a larger chancel designed by Somers Clarke and J. T. Mickelthwaite, constructed from warm-hued Sussex sandstone, which contrasted with the church's Portland stone exterior. The new chancel was consecrated in 1906 in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Randall Thomas Davidson.

Saint Peter's Church is also notable for its collection of stained-glass windows, many of which were created by Charles Eamer Kempe. A significant window on the church's liturgical east side commemorates Queen Victoria and was presented to the church by the people of Brighton. The church also features reredos panels by Edward Arthur Fellowes Prynne.