Don't expect a straight timeline. Erredge's 'History of Brighthelmston' is a rambling, personal walk through a town in flux. He starts with the ancient fishing village (Brighthelmston) and works his way to the bustling Victorian resort (Brighton) he knew. But the 'plot' is really his quest. He's chasing ghosts: the exact location of the old Star Inn, the true story behind local legends, the layout of neighborhoods bulldozed for progress. He quotes old documents, argues with other historians, and shares anecdotes from old-timers. The central tension is between the recorded, official history and the living, messy memories he's trying to save from oblivion.

Why You Should Read It

This book has soul. You feel Erredge's urgency. He's not just collecting facts; he's a man on a mission against time, trying to document a world slipping away. His voice is wonderfully present—sometimes frustrated, often amused, always passionate. You get the sense he'd be brilliant to have a pint with. The details are what make it: the description of the 'Battery' fortifications, the lists of old fishermen's boats, the gossip about 18th-century doctors. It makes history feel immediate and personal.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who loves Brighton beyond the surface. It's perfect for local history fans, walkers who want to know what was under their feet 200 years ago, and readers who enjoy a strong, opinionated narrator. If you prefer slick, modern narratives, the old-fashioned style might feel dense. But if you want to time-travel with a fiercely dedicated guide, Erredge is your man. You'll never see the Lanes the same way again.