UK is a country where one can find many interesting and architecturally valuable buildings. One of them is the beautiful and exotic Royal Pavilion located in Brighton. With its extravagance is proudly listed among the most beautiful buildings of UK and throughout Europe. The palace is especially notable for its architecture and interior design in the oriental style inspired by India. This sight should certainly not be omitted by any traveler during his tour of the UK.
History of the Royal Pavilion dates back to 1785. At that time, George, Prince of Wales rented a fort in the countryside of Brighton. It was a place where he met his mistress, later wife Maria Fitzherbert. In 1785 they get married secretly, but this was never officially accepted by Anglican Church. Prince Regent (future King George IV.) wanted to be as close as possible to her and therefore rented a fort near her house in Brighton. The second reason why the prince moved to the coast was that he suffered from gout. Doctors therefore recommended him to stay at sea.
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK
Existing building started to change in 1787, when the architect Henry Holland expanded and rebuilt it into neo-classical villa. As the prince loved the oriental style, he called William Porden – a versatile English architect who completed villa with the first dome. When the prince saw that he was thrilled and got the idea to rebuild the whole place in an oriental style. And that really happened, in 1815, the architect John Nash started with the rebuilding. Prince founded a riding school and built extensive stables.
The entire project was completed in 1822. Architect John Nash, except the Royal Pavilion, designed during his life also the famous Regent Street, Regent’s Park, rebuilt Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St James Park and many other buildings. Royal Pavilion in Brighton then became a summer residence of the King George IV.
Royal Pavilion in night, Brighton, UK
The dominant feature of the palace is still its central dome, resembling turban. Around it rise a few minarets. The building is complemented by tall windows with Gothic arches, and therefore can not be pigeonholed into one style. Pavilion is a mix of Indian architecture, European Gothic style and Chinese motifs that predominate especially in the interior. You can find lots of Chinese paintings here. Walls and windows are complemented with golden dragons.
The local cuisine was of gigantic proportions. Various delicacies for the king and his guests were prepared by the most famous French chef. Kitchen equipment at that time was really luxurious. Royal kitchen had faucets for hot and cold water, but also taps for hot steam which was important for the preparation of certain dishes. The majority of UK households was, at that time, without any running water.
One of the most beautiful room in the Royal Pavilion is the Music Hall. It is full of colors but mainly dominated by red, yellow and blue. Such bright colors were a novelty at the time. The floor is covered by beautiful and expensive, hand-woven carpet.
When George IV. died in 1830, Royal Pavilion was used by his successor, William IV. In 1845 it was last visited by Queen Victoria and in 1949 was the place sold to the city of Brighton. During the World War I it became a hospital for the Indians, who were injured in the fighting on the British side. Nowadays it is the best place for the weddings and many other exceptional events.
Royal Pavilion is open daily to the visitors until 17:00.
