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New photos added 01/08/2007
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It's hard to know what to say about the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Mere words don't seem adequate to get across just how extraordinary this place is. But here goes...

Originally a humble farm-house, it was bought and done up as a Palace for the Prince Regent, later George IV. This decadent, spend-thrift, womanising and corpulent Prince made Brighton the fashionable resort of its day, but he was also a cultured lover of the arts, and he wanted somewhere appropriate to entertain his guests that would reflect his tastes and status.

So, between 1815 and 1823, John Nash transformed the original building into the fantastical Moghul Palace we see to-day, containing sumptuous room after sumptuous room, decorated in the Oriental style so fashionable in the early 19th century.

No expense was spared. The decoration and detail are uncompromising and lavish, and the vivid colour combinations can make modern eyes water. Minimalism, this is not: but it's a veritable feast for the senses.

The style of architecture is also reflected in nearby buildings that served the Palace, which are now the musuem and Brighton Dome theatre. Together, they provide a unique architectural ensemble.

And yet, somehow, given modern Brighton's gay credentials, this monument to hedonism seems very modern and appropriate indeed. If you are visiting Brighton, a tour is a must.