Things you didn't know about Brighton

Bristelmestune Rock doesn't have the same ring...
Brighton was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Bristelmestune—a rent of 4000 herring was charged.

Never mind Brighton rock—what about Brighton bricks?
The city has enjoyed a massive explosion in property prices in recent years. Popularly known as London-by-the-sea, Brighton properties have increased in value by 280 per cent in the ten years since 1997.

Brighton's palace has seen war action...
The Royal Pavilion was built in the early 19th century as the Prince Regent's seaside retreat. During World War II, the palace was used as a hospital for wounded Indian and West Indian servicemen.

... and so has Brighton's first park
Preston Park was built in 1883. During World War II most of it was dug up to be used for allotments to produce as much food as possible for the nation's Dig for Victory campaign.

It's the end of the pier show in Brighton
After the West Pier burnt down in 2003, plans to return it to its former glory were abandoned. The i360, a 183 m (600ft) observation tower designed by London Eye architects Marks Barfield, will be built on the seafront to mark its place.

Forget the Battle of Britain—the Battle of Brighton is the one mods and rockers still talk about
Some 3,000 mods and rockers descended on Brighton on Whitsun weekend in May 1964 to do battle in a fight that made the history books. Several thousand specatators turned up to watch the clash. The "Battle of Brighton" was recorded in the cult film Quadrophenia, made in 1979.

Brighton is a world-famous centre for the arts
Each May, Brighton hosts England's largest arts festival. The month-long Brighton Festival and Brighton Festival Fringe attract performers and artists from across the world.

Brighton keeps the flame alive each winter
On 21 December, the annual Burning of the Clocks marks the winter solstice. Families from across the city make paper and willow lanterns to parade through the city and burn on the beach before a massive firework display finale.

Brighton is renowned for its tolerant, easy-going attitude
With a large gay and lesbian community, the city's Pride festival attracted over 150,000 revellers in 2007. And living up to its reputation as a good-time city, Brighton has over 400 bars and pubs to choose from.