Madeira Terrace, Brighton
Madeira Terrace is an impressive Victorian stretch of iron arches and walkway on Madeira Drive on the Brighton seafront, and incorporates Madeira Walk, Madeira Lift, and Madeira Shelter Hall. The complex was built between 1890 and 1897.
Madeira Terrace is 2,837 ft (865 m) long and has 151 arches. It is thought to be the longest continuous cast-iron structure in Britain
See Wikipedia entry.
The details of the decorative ironwork were designed by the Brighton Borough Engineer, Philip C. Lockwood (1821-1908), and the castings were produced in Lewes at the Phoenix Foundry of John Every.
Grade II* listed. See Historic England entry for detailed information.
1889 'THE MADEIRA ROAD IMPROVEMENT.
We have received the following memorandum from the Borough Surveyor (Mr G. R. Andrews, C.E.:-
Herewith I have the pleasure of handing you a perspective view of the works now being carried out on the Madeira-road. In consequence of so many applications to me as to their character, I think, perhaps, short description of these works would be of interest your readers.
There will be a raised terrace, 1,304 feet in length and 25 feet in width, extending from the steps opposite the Royal-crescent to the steps opposite place, forming raised promenade between the Esplanade the Marine-parade and the Madeira-road, and protected on the outer edge by a strong fence and hand rail. This Terrace will accessible either from the Marine-parade or the Madeira-road, by the Royal-crescent or the steps, or by the hydraulic lift which will be placed opposite the centre of Marine-square, and for which nominal charge will made. By means of this lift visitors and others will be able to save the fatigue of climbing the steps or the more prolonged ascent of the Duke’s Mound, and invalids in handchairs may be lowered from the Marine-parade to the raised terrace or the Madeira-road, or vice versa. A continuous seat is also provided on this raised terrace next the wall, extending the whole length.
In the centre and underneath the raised terrace near the lift will be a spacious shelter hall, with well- apponted lavatories on each hand, on the one side for ladies and on the other for gentlemen. Adjoining the shelter hall, and opening therefrom are two Reading Rooms, each 56 feet by 24 feet, and beyond these will be covered walks, 18 feet in width, extending the remainder of the length. The raised promenade is supported on cast-iron columns and wrought-iron girders, with ornamental spandrils, the roof or ceiling to be of concrete with asphalte walk the top.
The following materials, etc., will be used in executing these works;
About 5,000 cubic yards of excavation
~2,000 cubic yards concrete
300,000 bricks
The scheme was designed by my predecessor, Sir Philip C. Lockwood, C.E. The contractors are Messrs. J. Longley and Co., of Crawley; the contract sum being £13,975, and the time for completion, the 30th September next.
When these works are completed they will doubtless be found a great public accommodation in hot, wet, and cold weather, protected as the sheltered wall will be from the sun and rain, and also from the north, north east, and north-west winds.'[1]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Brighton Herald - Saturday 11 May 1889