Description of the attraction
The Royal Pavilion is a former royal residence in Brighton, UK. The palace was built as a seaside residence for George, Prince of Wales, future King George IV. He first visited Brighton in 1783. Sea resorts were just becoming fashionable, water treatment was very popular among the English aristocracy, and Brighton became famous thanks to the Duke of Cumberland, in whose residence the prince first stayed. The doctors also recommended the sea water treatment for Georg. Brighton also served as a meeting place for George and his lady of the heart, Mrs. Fitzherbert, to whom he was married in a secret marriage.
The first Pavilion was built in 1787 by the architect Henry Holland. The building was then rebuilt and expanded, and in 1815-1822 the famous architect John Nash completely rebuilds the palace in an exotic Indo-Saracen style. The interior of the palace is also designed in oriental style - Chinese, Indian and other ethnic motives are mixed here.
The palace looks very unusual, and even in prim Brighton, where Georgian and Victorian styles prevail, it looks extremely exotic.
After the death of George IV, King William IV also stayed at the Pavilion during his many visits to Brighton. His successor Queen Victoria disliked Brighton and made the Isle of Wight her summer residence. The Royal Pavilion was purchased by the city and used for various ceremonial gatherings and events. During World War II, the Pavilion housed a hospital. After the war, the city authorities made great efforts to restore the palace and recreate the way it was under George IV. The Pavilion is now Brighton's main tourist attraction.
