Vernon Terrace is a mid 19th-century residential development in the Montpelier suburb of Brighton, part of the English coastal city of Brighton and Hove. Construction of the first section started in 1856, and the 37-house terrace was complete in the early 1860s. Architecturally, the houses divide into five separate compositions, although all are in a similar late Regency/Italianate style. This was characteristic of houses of that era in Brighton, and especially in the Montpelier area—where the Regency style persisted much later than elsewhere. Standing opposite is the landmark Montpelier Crescent, which had a view of the South Downs until Vernon Terrace blocked it. Three groups of houses in the terrace have been listed at Grade II by English Heritage for their architectural and historical importance.
Vernon Terrace from the south-southeast
The flat-fronted numbers 1–6 are the oldest part of Vernon Terrace.
The bow-fronted houses at 7–16 Vernon Terrace were finished in 1857.
37 Vernon Terrace stands next to Seven Dials.
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.