Park Crescent

Park Crescent is a horseshoe-shaped residential complex of 48 houses in Brighton featuring Italianate architectural elements and decorative stone facades. The terrace curves around a private garden that occupies the center of the composition.

Architect Amon Henry Wilds designed and built Park Crescent between 1849 and 1854 during Brighton's rise as a seaside destination. Three central houses were destroyed in World War II and reconstructed in 1983 to match the original style.

The name Park Crescent refers to the private garden enclosed within the curved terrace, which has long been a focal point for residents. This inward-facing design created a distinct sense of community that set it apart from typical street-based neighborhoods.

The houses are private residences, but the curved terrace is clearly visible from the street and offers good views of the architecture. The private garden at the center is not open to the public, but you can walk around the exterior of the crescent to appreciate its design.

The terrace became notorious in 1934 when the Brighton trunk murder case centered on number 44, where Violet Kaye's body was discovered. This sensational crime attracted major press attention and remains a striking chapter in local history.