Brighton History Centre

Brighton History Centre is a unique focal point for the city’s historical collections, There are additional resources available on Hove’s local history at Hove Library.
Did you know that Whitehawk’s earliest residents were cannibals?  Or that Erroll Flynn’s parents lived in Woodingdean?  Or that Brighton holds the largest number of Jedis in the UK according to the 2001 census?  Explore the city’s colourful residents and personalities, extraordinary architecture and landmarks, exciting and ground-breaking events, and fascinating social and cultural developments. 

Explore Brighton’s local history using a variety of reference materials including newspapers, periodicals, books, pamphlets, photographs, maps, oral histories and film material.  Family history enthusiasts can search through electoral rolls, passenger lists and military material.  And there is lots of help and advice on hand for those new to family history research. Browse the handlists here.

Many of our local history books form part of the rare books collections. Find out more about how to access our rare books.

Start a journey of discovery into your ancestry and genealogy.  At Brighton History Centre you will find many different lists, registers, directories and records that can help you delve into your family’s past. Want an example to get you started? Read more about a Brighton family we've researched here.

Much of the information listed below is available on microfiche only.  To avoid disappointment contact us to pre-book a slot on a microfiche reader before you arrive.
You can access the 1911 census by using Find My Past (findmypast.com) vouchers available at the Brighton History Centre.  Vouchers are £5 and each entitles you to 40 credits.  You can view a transcript of the census form for 10 credits or see a copy of the original document for 30 credits.  You can use the voucher for many other resources, including birth, marriage and death records and census returns 1841–1901.

Upper floor of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1EE
Telephone +44 (0)1273 296972
Email localhistory@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Opening times
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closed Sunday and Monday)

Admission FREE

How to get here
On foot Brighton History Centre is located in the heart of the city centre 
By bus Buses stop outside the Royal Pavilion on Pavilion Parade or on North Street, which is five minutes walk from the museum
By train 15 minutes walk from Brighton train station

Facilities
Free internet access for accessing information on museums collections, local and family history.
• Pre-booking of computers, microfiche and microfilm readers
• Photocopying facilities
• Shop selling books, gifts and souvenirs
• Image reproduction service

To avoid disappointment you can pre-book our computers and microfiche readers before you arrive, or contact us for any other enquiry.