St Mary Magdalen's Church, Brighton
St Mary Magdalen's Church is a Roman Catholic church in the Montpelier area of Brighton, part of the English city of Brighton and Hove. Dedicated to Jesus' companion Mary Magdalene, it is one of six Roman Catholic churches in Brighton and one of eleven in the city area. Built by ecclesiastical architect Gilbert Blount in a 13th-century Gothic style to serve the rapidly expanding residential area on the border of Brighton and Hove, it has been listed at Grade II by English Heritage in view of its architectural importance. An adjacent presbytery and parish hall have been listed separately at Grade II.
The church from the northeast, with the parish hall in the distance
Montpelier is an inner suburban area of Brighton, part of the English city and seaside resort of Brighton and Hove. Developed together with the adjacent Clifton Hill area in the mid-19th century, it forms a high-class, architecturally cohesive residential district with "an exceptionally complete character". Stucco-clad terraced housing and villas predominate, but two of the city's most significant Victorian churches and a landmark hospital building are also in the area, which lies immediately northwest of Brighton city centre and spreads as far as the ancient parish boundary with Hove.
Montpelier is characterised by early 19th-century stucco-clad terraced houses and villas, such as 1 and 2 Montpelier Villas.
Many of the north–south streets offer long views. From the top of Victoria Street, St Mary Magdalen's Church and the English Channel are visible.
Before its development, the present Montpelier area was known as Church Hill in reference to St Nicholas Church.
The Temple was built for Thomas Read Kemp in 1819 just before suburban growth started.
