The Ghosts of Brighton Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, built as a seaside retreat for King George IV, is one of England’s most exotic buildings. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture conceals a history of royal excess and, according to many witnesses, restless spirits who refuse to leave the pleasure palace.

The Palace

Construction began in 1787 and continued through 1823. The Pavilion served as a retreat where George IV could escape court restrictions. Lavish parties, secret liaisons, and political intrigue filled its ornate rooms. The building’s unique architecture reflects George’s fascination with the East.

The Royal Specters

Staff and visitors have reported seeing a figure resembling George IV himself, particularly in the Music Room and Banqueting Hall. The portly apparition appears in Regency-era clothing, sometimes seeming to inspect the premises as if still in residence. His presence is often accompanied by the scent of tobacco and wine.

The Grey Lady

A female apparition in grey clothing has been seen gliding through the corridors. She is believed to be one of the many women who attended the Pavilion’s notorious parties. Her identity remains unknown, but her melancholy appearance suggests an unhappy fate.

The Underground Tunnel

A secret tunnel once connected the Pavilion to the stables. Staff have reported hearing footsteps and voices in the tunnel area, though it has been closed for centuries. Some believe servants who died in the Pavilion’s service still traverse its hidden passages.

Staff Experiences

Pavilion employees have reported numerous experiences including doors opening and closing, objects moving, and sudden temperature drops in certain rooms. The kitchen area, once the scene of enormous feasts, is particularly active with unexplained sounds and smells of cooking.

Assessment

The Royal Pavilion concentrated extraordinary human energy during its heyday. The passions, intrigues, and excesses of the Regency era seem to have left permanent impressions on its exotic walls.