Numbers 1-14 And Attached Railings

Numbers 1-14 and attached railings form a terrace of houses built between 1798 and 1807, developed by JB Otto. The properties are constructed of black mathematical tiles, with some houses having been refronted. Roof materials vary; slate covers those of numbers 1, 3-7, 9, and 10, while numbers 4-5 and 9-10 have been turnerised, with the remaining roofs obscured by parapets or blocking courses.

The architectural style is of four storeys over a basement. Each property originally featured two windows, though the facades of numbers 1 and 14 run parallel to Marine Parade, while the rest curve to form an arc. A full-height fluted pilaster marks the end wall of number 14, completing the composition. Each unit includes a full-height bay with tripartite, flat-arched windows beside the entry. First-floor verandahs or balconies feature on all but number 1, which has a first-floor balcony. Entries to the central units of numbers 7 and 8 are paired and framed by Tuscan pilasters, an entablature, and a broad segmental pediment. Similar treatment with Tuscan pilasters and entablatures, and segmental pediments, is evident at numbers 1 and 2. Other entries have flat arches with overlights, framed by Tuscan pilasters and entablatures, with decorative glazing bars at numbers 10 and 12. Entry number 5 is of mid to late 18th-century design, with a flat arch and rounded corners, framed by Tuscan pilasters and a corniced entablature along with decorative glazing to the overlight. Entries to numbers 3, 4, 11, and 14 have round arches with fanlights framed by Tuscan colonnettes, an entablature, and a raking cornice. The bays of numbers 12 and 14 are segmental, while the others are canted. Verandahs and balconies are supported by cast-iron brackets and feature cast-iron railings; stanchions are also cast-iron at numbers 5 and 6, and numbers 6-7 and 9-14. Metal roofs to the verandahs are convex on numbers 2, 7-8, and 10-14; numbers 3-6 and 9 have a cross-section close to a cyma recta curve. Above, an entablature and modillioned cornice run along the top floor, with a blocking course on numbers 1-6 and 11-14, and a parapet topped with painted lettering ‘Royal Crescent’ on numbers 7-10. Original design doors remain at numbers 1, 4-7, 10-11, and 13-14. Internal stacks are located within the party and end walls.

A grey plaque on number 4 commemorates Laurence, Baron Olivier of Brighton, who lived there from 1961-1979. Sir John Clements previously resided at number 7. The Royal Crescent is considered part of a group with properties at numbers 68, 69, and 73-89 Marine Parade, and the Royal Crescent Hotel. The interior has not been inspected. Original railings mark the entries and area.