North Laine again the focus for Brighton Open Door in September 2009

Industrial North Laine

Photos by Peter Crowhurst

Included the MyHouseMyStreet project

By Peter Crowhurst, NLCA Chair

Brighton & Hove was the launch city

Following a very successful contribution to the European Heritage Weekend in 2008, the North Laine was again the focus for Brighton's contribution to this very successful weekend in 2009, when houses were opened to the public and talks and tours were available from10th-13th September.

Brighton & Hove was this year's launch city for Heritage Open Days and the launch event was hosted in the North Laine with an event in Kensington Place.

More houses needed for 'MyHouseMyStreet'

The intention for next year's event will be for even more residents' houses to be opened up on one of the days and for more streets to be researched and for the house history to be displayed. Those residents who opened their houses in 2008 and 2009 enjoyed the event and had their house researched so that they learnt a great deal more about the previous occupants and also had treasures unearthed by the experts who are supporting the project.

In 2008 there were several residents' houses opened to the public and a number of tours put on. In addition to this, virtually every house in Foundry Street had its history displayed in the front window. In 2009 other streets joined in, including Pelham Square. This was the 'MyHouseMyStreet' project.

We hope that next year's event will be even bigger and better and that not only will there be more displays of information about the area and and about people's houses but that we will have many more houses opened to the public.

A note about Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days celebrate England's architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public. Every year on four days in September buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors (often to pre-booked small groups as is the case with North Laine houses), ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples.

The North Laine was Brighton's industrial quarter for over 150 years and as well as the original houses, many of the old industrial buildings remain. Moreover many of our houses retain original features and give a feel for life in the Victorian period. You may think that there is little of value to be seen in your house but the reality is that there is probably a great deal to be seen. It may not be readily apparent but we are uniquely placed to celebrate Victorian architecture.

How to take part

If you would like to take part in next year's event or just find out more about it, please  email: chair@nlcaonline.org.uk