Ovingdean Rectory

Ovingdean Rectory is a Georgian clergy house in Brighton and Hove with two main floors and a dormer level set within the roof. The exterior features red mathematical tiles and cobbles covering the walls, while the interior contains dining rooms, bedrooms, and a large cellar, plus a separate stable and carriage house on the grounds.

This building was constructed in 1805 to replace an earlier thatched structure that had served as the parsonage. Reverend John Marshall funded this new build at considerable expense, making it a substantial residence befitting the church's local importance.

The building served as home to successive rectors and reflects how church leaders lived in this community. Its rooms and layout show the daily routines and social standing of clergy during the 1800s.

The main entrance faces the front of the property, making access straightforward and allowing visitors to appreciate the exterior from the road. The site is compact enough to view comfortably in a short visit, with all associated buildings visible from the grounds.

The mathematical tiles covering the south and west walls are cleverly flat ceramic pieces designed to look like brick, not actual bricks. This decorative technique was popular in Georgian times and provided better weather protection than regular stonework, giving the building extra durability at lower cost.

Location: Brighton and Hove

GPS coordinates: 50.81570,-0.07676

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:06