The Lanes are an ancient part of Brighton (the original town of Brighthelmstone). The buildings in these narrow streets and "twittens" date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. After the village was burnt to the ground by French invaders in the 16th century it was rebuilt along the same streets. The town was bordered by three roads - West Street, East Street and North Street covering an area approximately one square mile. At one time roads including a South Street were discovered under the shingle beach. This lower part of the town had been destroyed during storms in the 15th century.

Market Street


This area, now known as the The Lanes is mainly jewellery and gift shops and cafes and bars. Although some of the buildings have been modernised or replaced, the narrow streets give us a good idea of what medieval Brighton was like.