Mocatta’s Vision: The Original Design for Brighton Railway Station
This architectural drawing, created by David Mocatta in 1841, illustrates the original design for Brighton Railway Station, serving as the southern terminus of the London & Brighton Railway. Mocatta, an esteemed architect known for his railway designs, envisioned a grand Italianate-style station that would reflect Brighton’s growing status as a fashionable seaside destination.
The plan highlights key features of the early station, including separate ladies’ and gentlemen’s waiting rooms, dedicated booking offices for London and Shoreham passengers, and a covered portico, providing shelter for arriving travellers.
While the station has undergone significant expansions over the years, elements of Mocatta’s original design still influence its structure today. This drawing serves as a testament to Brighton’s railway heritage and the visionary planning that shaped one of the UK’s most important coastal transport hubs.
