Special Sub-Topic: Around Brighton Click Here To Play: Around Brighton

Let's start off at the sea front with an easy question. The main pier in Brighton was always traditionally known as the "Palace Pier". However, following recent refurbishment, a new name is now emblazoned along the side of the pier. What is its new name?

Brighton Pier. This pier was opened in 1899 to replace the old Chain Pier, which had collapsed in a storm three years previously. By the late 1970s it had fallen into severe disrepair, but it was bought privately in 1984, and since then has been refurbished, turning it into one of Brighton's main attractions.

Now let's walk along the beach. It has always been a very popular place, and is crowded in the summer months. Why do people not build sand castles on Brighton beach?

Because there is no sand there, only shingle. For a town that was made famous by virtue of the sea, it is amazing that there is no sand there!

Now we're going to walk inland a short distance to Brighton's most famous landmark - the Royal Pavilion. The interior decoration is influenced by which culture?

Chinese. This fascinating palace was built in the early 19th century in the Indian style on the site of the former "Marine Pavilion". It was built by the future King George IV. The architect of the new building was John Nash, and much of the interior decoration is oriental in design.

One of the gates of the Royal Pavilion was built just after the First World War, in memory of some soldiers who had been hospitalised in the building. Where were these soldiers from?

India. The arched gate was the gift of His Highness the Maharajah of Patalia to commemorate the Indian soldiers who had been cared for in Brighton.

Up on the hill above Brighton stands the ancient church of St Nicholas, formerly the parish church. Of whom is St Nicholas the patron saint?

Fishermen. Fishing is the ancient industry in Brighton - you can still see many boats on the beach which are owned by local fishermen.

In the centre of the city stands the parish church. To whom is it dedicated?

St Peter. The church of St Peter was consecrated in 1828. By the mid 19th century it became clear that the old church of St Nicholas was too small to serve as the main church for the expanding town, so the title of parish church was transferred to St Peter's.

Over the past two centuries, many local villages have been incorporated into the boundaries of Brighton. Which of the following is NOT a suburb of the modern city of Brighton and Hove?

Findon. Findon is a small village just outside Worthing, about 15 miles away. Hopefully the boundaries of the city will never stretch that far!

Patcham was once a small village to the north of Brighton, but is now part of the city. The old manor house, Patcham Place, still stands. What is it now used for?

Youth hostel. The mansion house was originally built in 1558 for Sir William West, Lord de la Warr, and then rebuilt in the 18th century. It is said to be haunted by one of its owners, Anthony Stapley, who lived in the 17th century. It became a youth hostel in 1939.

Brighton is surrounded, to the north of the town, by a range of hills which stretch across the county of Sussex. What is the name of this range of hills?

The South Downs. These hills stretch all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne. To the north of Brighton there are spectacular views from Ditchling Beacon and Devil's Dyke.

Brighton's main railway station was built in 1840. To which town/city in England can you NOT catch a direct train from Brighton (Dec 2003)?

Southend. When the north-south link across London was opened up, train services started which linked Brighton to the south Midlands, notably Bedford and Luton. However, there is no direct link to Southend in 2003.