The Old Church, Brighton, Guia do visitante e o que fazer por perto

The Old Church in Brighton is St Nicholas of Myra, the town's ancient parish church, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. It stands a short walk uphill from the seafront and is one of the oldest places of worship in a city better known for its Regency pavilion and pier.

The story behind it

St Nicholas of Myra is the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, which suits a town that grew up as a fishing community. Brighton was once called Brighthelmstone, and the church is linked to that early settlement. A church there is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and the site is thought to be older still, going back to Saxon times. The building you see today is later than that first church.

The churchyard adds its own stories. Among those buried here are Martha Gunn, the celebrated Brighton bathing woman, and Phoebe Hessel, remembered for living to a great age and for serving as a soldier in disguise. Their graves tie the church to the everyday life of old Brighton as much as to its worship.

What to look for

• Notice the church's position on a rise above the old town, which helps explain why a seafarers' saint was chosen for a landmark that sailors could place themselves by.
• Look at the dedication to St Nicholas of Myra and think about how it reflects the town's fishing roots.
• Wander the churchyard and read the weathered headstones, including the graves linked to Martha Gunn and Phoebe Hessel.
• Compare the church's medieval stonework and quiet setting with the busier streets around it, a reminder of how small Brighthelmstone once was.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 15 to 30 minutes to see the exterior and churchyard, longer if you go inside.
• Check current opening hours before you go, as access to the interior can vary.
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the churchyard is quiet and the light is softer on the stonework.
• It is easy to combine with the seafront, the Lanes and the North Laine, all within reasonable walking distance.

See it on a quest

You can reach the church on foot as one stop of Mythic Monster Quests: The Great Gull Of Brighton, a self-guided route through the area. The app tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you, so you look closely at the church instead of just walking past. One ticket covers the whole group, and you can start whenever suits you, with no guide and no set departure time.