Florizel's Folly

A vivid portrait of Brighton’s earliest days unfolds in this richly illustrated narrative, beginning with its Roman roots and moving through the tangled ownership recorded in the Domesday Book. The author paints a picture of a modest Anglo‑Saxon manor, detailing the ebb and flow of feudal hands, the town’s defensive preparations, and even the occasional French raid that left its mark on the fledgling settlement.

The text is enlivened by a lively, witty voice that blends scholarly detail with the humor of eighteenth‑century caricature. Thirteen finely crafted illustrations accompany the prose, offering visual snapshots of everything from medieval court scenes to bustling market streets, making the history feel immediate and engaging.

Readers are invited to travel from the quiet fields of “Brighthelmstone‑Lewes” to the bustling promenade of the modern seaside resort, gaining a fresh appreciation for how a small coastal hamlet grew into the vibrant city known today.