Kemptown was built a residential estate in the early 19th Century. Its name is derived from Thomas Read Kemp’s Town but is now larger than the original development.
The notable housing is in the Regency style, although Victorian and more modern buildings are incorporated. There are some interesting shops, hotels and bars in Kemptown and some unusual properties such as the Sasson Mausoleum, the former burial chamber of Edward Sasson which now houses a club. The Royal Sussex County Hospital and The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital are also based in Kemptown.
Historically Kemptown was known as an actors’ and artists’ quarter. The Kemptown Carnival, an annual one-day event runs along St. George’s Road with processions, market stalls, street performers, and musicians. Underneath St Geoge’s Church is The Crypt, a community space used for concerts, shows and performances.
The beach below Kemptown is known as King’s Cliff, adjacent to Black Rock. This is the eastern end of Volks Electric Railway which runs from the east side of Brighton Pier.