St. Paul's Church, Brighton

Saint Paul's Church, located on West Street in the heart of Brighton, is a historically significant Church of England parish church dedicated to Saint Paul of Tarsus, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Its central location near the seafront and main shopping areas highlights its prominence in the city.

Saint Paul's Church stands on a site with a rich history, originally home to a small chapel serving fishermen since 1830. The area, known for poor housing, was redeveloped in 1846 when Reverend Henry Michell Wagner, Vicar of Brighton since 1824, purchased the chapel and nearby buildings. Wagner, a key figure in Brighton's religious scene, had built three other churches in the town, but Saint Paul's is the earliest still in active Anglican use, preserving his legacy.

Saint Paul's Church was built by Brighton-based builders Cheesman & Son, who had a long-standing relationship with Wagner. The church's design was a collaboration between Wagner's son, Arthur, and architect R.C. Carpenter. Arthur, influenced by the Oxford Movement, incorporated 14th-century Gothic architecture into the church's design.

The exterior of Saint Paul's Church is notable for its use of knapped flint and Caen stone, the latter being a type of limestone famously used in the construction of the Tower of London. Inside, the church features a nave, chancel, two vestries, an organ chamber, and a small "crypt chapel" that has since been converted into a library. The Fishermen's Vestry, one of the original vestries, pays homage to the site's early connection with the local fishing community.

Today, Saint Paul's Church is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, a designation indicating its particular significance beyond local interest. This listing ensures that the church, with its rich history and architectural importance, is preserved for future generations to appreciate.