THE BRIDGE HOTEL

The last King of France stayed here after the revolution.

The Bridge Hotel, High Street. Built c.I620s. Apart from St Michaels Church, this is probably the oldest building in Newhaven.

In 1848 the Hotel hosted Louis Philippe (last King of France), his Queen and their entourage for one night. It was intended he would be collected by Newhaven steamers from Dieppe , but owing to pursuit by revolutionaries they had to travel further west and were collected by a Southampton streamer near le Havre who took them to outside of our harbour.

The party were rowed in and put ashore near the present lifeboat house. They were visited by many local dignitaries, including William Catt of Tidemills, who had once advised the King about using water power when milling. The party left next day by train for Croydon bound for Esher, where a fine house had been arranged for them by Queen Victoria.

This Royal incident was always displayed on the Hotel, why in these days of interest nothing is done to promote this event baffles me.

The Toll House for the wooden draw bridge of 1784 (replacing a small floating ferry) can just be seen to the left on the picture. It cost a half-penny per person to cross & Newhaven Maritime Museum has the final penny which was paid for two officials from the Tipper Brewery. (Text by Peter Bailey M.B.E, Newhaven Historical Society)