Hove in the Past: Montgomery Street, Hove.

Judy Middleton 2003 (revised 2023)

The Name

It is thought – since this street is within the Poet’s Corner area – that the street was named after the poet Robert Montgomery (1807-1855). His name is hardly up there with the immortals and it is almost forgotten today, but once he was famous. Perhaps his only claim to local honour is that he died at Brighton.

Montgomery certainly looked like a poet, and indeed he probably modelled himself upon Lord Byron. But stern critics were ready to pounce upon his verse with acid criticism, the most eminent being the great Macaulay in the Edinburgh Review of April 1830. However, this served only to pique the public’s attention, instead of sending the poetry into oblivion. Montgomery’s biographer in the Dictionary of National Biography has a most delightful turn of phrase in describing Montgomery’s talent, thus, ‘an unfortunate facility in florid versification’.

Perhaps he made a better parson than a poet because he became a popular preacher and wrote on theological matters. When he moved on from his first parish, his departure was much regretted by the local people. He served as the minister of Percy Chapel, in the London parish of St Pancras from 1843 until his death.

Background

The street began to be developed in the early 1880s. The land upon which Montgomery Street was laid out belonged to the Vallance Estate – the Vallance family once occupying Hove Manor in Hove Street and Brooker Hall (now Hove Museum) in New Church Road.

The busy local architect Thomas Lainson was the surveyor to the Vallance Estate, and as well as being responsible for the lay-out, he also designed some houses on the Vallance Estate.

It is pleasant to record that the Hove Commissioners did not allow development to take place without observation from the Hove Surveyor who kept a sharp eye on proceedings. For example, in 1882 his gaze detected that two houses being constructed on the south side by Alfred Parsons were definitely not up to scratch, and he reported the matter to the Hove Commissioners. The surveyor stated that the chimney-stack, party-wall, slip-room, and kitchen were not solidly built with mortar. The Commissioners lost no time in issuing an order under Bye-law 50 that this shoddy work should be rectified at once.

The houses in Montgomery Street were not all built to the same design because some on the north side are two-storey, while some on the south side are three-storey.

Hydrants

In July 1890 the Commissioners decided that two hydrants were to be placed in the street. These were useful for street-cleaning purposes, and also an advantage in case of a fire breaking out.

Public Highway

In 1892 the west end of the road was only partially built up, but the roadway was to be made up as far as the house later numbered 35.

In 1894 Montgomery Street, between St Patrick’s Road and Sackville Road, was declared a public highway.

In 1897 the part between St Patrick’s Road and the east side of Rutland Road became a public highway.

In 1903 the last part of the street to Tamworth Road became a public highway.

Re-numbering

Montgomery Street was re-numbered in 1894, while the part west of Rutland Road was re-numbered in 1901.

An Excess of Laundry

It is quite remarkable that there was once no less than twelve individuals in the street willing to do your laundry, and the following list is taken from the 1910 Directory.

79 – Mrs C. Brown, laundress

81 – Mrs Smith, laundress

83 – Madame Delest, French laundress

85 – Mrs Tidey, laundress

89 – Provincial Laundry Company

91 – Mrs A. Brand, laundress

93 – Walsall Hand Laundry, Mrs Waller

103 – Frankville Laundry, Mrs Goodwin

107 – Mrs Gates, laundress

109 – Mrs Eastwood, laundress

111 – G. Juden, laundry

Mrs F. W. Cooney, laundress

By 1925 they had all vanished, although Mrs Tidey still lived at number 85, which was called Jubilee House in 1910, and Mrs Eastwood still occupied number 109, but there was no mention of laundry.

Strangely enough, the 1934 Directory lists four laundries with one of them having been in the 1910 Directory; they were:

105 – William Woodcraft, laundry

109 – Buckingham Laundry, Mrs E. E. Eastwood, proprietress

111 – William John Ditton, laundry

113 – Mrs Eliza Clegg, laundry

Over-crowding

Although the road became well-populated, there does not seem to have been the overcrowding in the early days that occurred in other Hove streets. This changed during the First World War when in 1914 it was reported to Hove Council that at number 47 there were five people sleeping in one room. It was decreed that the number should be reduced to four people.

The situation became worse after the war with the return of men from service in the Army or Navy. Indeed, James Bartley left a heart-breaking note to posterity on his official census form of 1921. At least Mr Bartley had a job at Black Rock Gasworks where he worked as a gas-fitter. But his living conditions were horrendous. He occupied one room in a house in Montgomery Street together with his wife May and their three children. He wrote ‘Five persons in one room. Stop talking about your homes for heroes and start building some houses and let them at a rent a working man can afford to pay.’

Hove Hospital

The south frontage of the old red-brick Hove Hospital is in Montgomery Street. The main part has a longer frontage to Sackville Road, and the hospital was formally opened on 3 December 1888. The new extension on the left side of the photograph was built in the 1930s and officially opened in February 1934.

A close-up of the lovely terracotta plaque high up on the wall

Montgomery House – 35 Montgomery Street

It was Thomas Lainson, the well-known local architect, who was asked to draw up plans for a Jewish Convalescent Home on this site, and they were dated 31 July 1889. Lainson was already known to the Jewish community, having been responsible for the Synagogue in Middle Street, Brighton, now a listed building.

copyright © Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove
The Jewish Convalescent Home on the corner of Montgomery Street and St Patrick's Road

In 1901 Julia Salinger was the matron, while Jane Sturt worked there as a maid. It remained a Jewish establishment until around 1912.

Then came a curious interregnum when the Jewish owners must have let the premises to a Christian group. At any rate this must be the conclusion after studying Street Directories because from 1912 until around 1930 the building was known as the St Barnabas Mission House where the Sisters lived, and in 1925 Mary Diana was the sister-in-charge.

In around 1930 the building reverted to Jewish use and was known as the Jewish Boys Convalescent Home with Mr L. Simons as master and Mrs Simons as matron. Mrs Esther Simons was still there in 1937 but the title no included the words ‘boys’.

After the Second World War number 35 became Montgomery House Nursing Home by 1947. In 1987 it was able to celebrate its 40^th anniversary. It was run by the Society for Housing the Elderly, and they also ran Lansworth House in Brunswick Road.

In May 1999 there came news that Montgomery House would close on 18 June with the loss of 35 jobs; moreover the 30 elderly residents would be obliged to move elsewhere within the space of six weeks. The event was especially depressing for five recent residents who had only moved there in January 1999 when St Bernard’s Home in Wilbury Road closed down.

Sister Marie Sheriff stated that there had been no consultation with the staff. However, the management committee said that the nursing home was no longer financially viable because nursing costs were so high, and although there were contributions from the local authority, it did not come near covering all the costs. The State subsidised the residents at the rate of £325 a week, but the management wanted the amount increased to £360 a week.

Ivor Caplin MP said the closure was a scandal, while campaigners formed a group called ARM (Action to Rescue Montgomery). At first the outlook seemed hopeful, especially as an anonymous donor had given £30,000 towards the overdraft. But Roger Owen, care assistant, warned that this was just the first step. Unhappily, the closure went ahead as announced, causing some distress.

The building was demolished in 2000. However, great care was taken with the four terraced houses that replaced it because they matched the surrounding architecture, and therefore did not look out of place. These houses were called Montgomery Terrace.

Wynne’s Mews

The old mews was called Winn’s Mews, but presumably the new development required a more exotic spelling. It was on 20 February 1896 that Hove Council gave planning permission to Henry Winn to erect stables, a coach-house, and living rooms at the rear of numbers 87, 89, 91 Montgomery Street.

In November 1901 it was reported that there were eight defective ‘Bell’ traps in the mews. Hove Council decreed that within the space of seven days, the defective traps must be removed, and glazed stoneware gully traps inserted in their place.

Henry Winn died at the age of 55 on 13 August 1900, while his wife Ellen lived on to the age of 85 and died on 27 October 1928. They were both buried in St Leonard’s churchyard.

In 1910 Winn’s Mews was occupied by a fly-proprietor, and a van builder.

The new development called Wynn’s Mews included garages at ground level with living accommodation at first floor level fronted by a continuous wooden balcony.

House Notes

Number 2 – Alfred Wilson, a plumber, lived here in 1934.

Number 33 –

The Eclipse Inn was located at this number, and was built in 1886, the date being proudly displayed on the facade. The name came from a famous racehorse of the 18^th century. In 2010 the pub was re-named Poet’s Corner.

Number 45 – In 1934 the house was occupied by Arthur Ash whose profession was recorded as paper-hanger; there was another one at number 87.

Number 47 – In 1914 it was reported to Hove Council that five people were sleeping in one room on the first floor. The council directed that the number should be reduced to four persons.

Number 55 – Miss Mabel L. Benson, a mid-wife, lived here in 1934.

Number 76 – According to the 1934 Directory, Frederick Cranham, turn-cock to the Brighton Corporation Waterworks, lived in this house.

Number 87 – James Ernest Wakefield lived here in 1934, and he earned his living as a paper-hanger; there was another one at number 45.

Number 88 –

Number 93 – W. W. Scott, chimney-sweep, lived in this house in 1934; there was another one at number 135.

Number 95 – In 1934 Mrs Gladys Comber, dress-maker, lived here.

Number 135 – According to the 1934 Directory, Robert James Blythe, chimney-sweep lived in this house; there was another one at number 93.

Montgomery Street and the First World War

Number 6 – Charlie Dexter was a footballer who played for Brighton & Hove Albion at the Goldstone Ground, and lived in this house. Dexter was born in 1889 at Derby, and became something of an all-rounder at sport because it was stated that he was ‘a cricketer of no mean order’. But he decided to make his career in football and became a professional in 1911. He played for Sheffield Wednesday before moving south. He joined the Albion for the 1913-1914 season, and played half-back but in the following season he was playing left-half.

His career was just taking off when the First World War broke out. In September 1914 Dexter enlisted in the Sportsman’s Battalion, the 17^th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. He was only in France for six months before he was injured. According to a hand-written note on his service record at Hove Library, he was ‘invalided home with septic poisoning probably through being gassed’. He spent months in hospital at Torquay and Exeter. On 10 April 1916 he received his discharge from the Army, returning home to Derby in failing health, where he died peacefully on 26 June 1916.

He was not the only casualty from the Albion because three players and the groundsman died in the war. When Hove’s War Memorial was officially opened, the club provided a large wreath of laurel and arum lilies bearing the message Their last and Finest Goal.

Number 6 – Edwin George Mundell Graham, son of Mr and Mrs Mundell-Graham, was born at Weybridge, Surrey. He enlisted at Chelmsford, Surrey and served in the 14^th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, 34^th Division. He was killed in action on 29 July 1918 at Grand Rozoy and buried in Raperia British Cemetery, Villemontoire.

Number 12 – John Henry Dugnolle was the son of John and Emily Dugnolle of Brighton, but his wife, Harriett Selina lived at this address. Dugnolle served as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 2^nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, 1^st Regular Division. Perhaps he was a professional soldier because he was aged 39 when he was killed in action on 25 September 1915 at the Battle of Loos; he was buried at Dud Corner, Loos. It is odd that such an unusual name does not seem to appear on official rolls of honour.

Number 53 – Frederick and Mary Carter lived in this house, and their son was Hove-born Lance-Corporal Joseph William Carter who served with the East Kent Regiment originally, and then with the Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was a married man and at the time of his death his wife Edith was living at 140 Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells. He was aged 28 when he was killed in action at Arras on 12 April 1917. His name in commemorated on the Arras Memorial.

Number 54 – Charles Frederick Marchant was born and educated at Hove. He served in the 7^th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, 42^nd Division and was aged 28 when he was killed in action on 27 September 1918. He was buried at Ribecourt Road Cemetery.

Number 58 – Arthur Castle Gordon Dean was born at Hove and his parents George and Annie Dean lived at this house. Dean enlisted at Hove and joined the 7^th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, 12^th Division. It is sad to record that he was only aged nineteen when he died of his wounds on 3 May 1917 in the base hospital in Etaples. He was buried in Etaples Military Cemetery.

Number 63 – James and Sarah Bonas lived here and their son was George Frederick Bonas. He was actually born in Highgate, but when he enlisted, it was at Hove. He served in the Royal Sussex Regiment, 12^th Division and he was only aged 23 when he died of wounds at Arras on 10 April 1917. He was buried in the Duisans British Cemetery, Etrum.

Number 82 – Joseph Robert and Isabella Fanny Thorpe lived in this house, and their son was Walter Charles Thorpe; he was born in Burgess Hill, and enlisted at Brighton. He served in the 5^th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, 11^th Division. When he was still only aged nineteen he was killed in action at Ypres on 18 November 1917, and his name is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Number 86 – George and Mary Score lived in this house, and their son Charles Score’s wife was called Mary. Charles Score served in Royal Army Service Corps, 70^th Auxiliary Petrol Corps, and he was killed in action at the age of 29 on 18 September 1917. He was buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery Number 3, Belgium.

Number 87 – Benjamin James Wakefield was the oldest military casualty of the Montgomery Road soldiers, and the only one to be buried at Hove. He was the son of Benjamin and Helena Wakefield of Hove, and his wife’s name was Mary. He was a professional soldier and had been awarded the Long Service Medal and the Volunteer Medal. He served in the 31^st Company, Labour Corps, Labour Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. He either fell ill or was injured, and was sent home where he died aged 52 on 10 March 1918.

Number 88 – Walter George Etherington was the son of Mr E. Etherington and Mrs Letitia Pelling – at this date it was very unusual to have parents with different surnames. W. G. Etherington was born at Hove but enlisted in Chichester. He served in the 2^nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment and was only 21 when he was killed in action on 8 November 1914. His name is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.

Number 96 – Frank Blanch was living in this house in 1916. His son, David Henry Blanch, was born at Hove in 1899, attended the schools at George Street, and became a market gardener. In September 1915 he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery, and became a gunner. He served in France and was captured as a prisoner of war. Perhaps he had been injured during battle because he died whilst still a prisoner on 29 August 1918.

Number 96 – Lance Corporal George Charles David White was born at Whitton, Middlesex, and enlisted in Brighton. He served in the 19^th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, 24^th Division. He was killed in action at the age of 22 during the March Retreat on 21 March 1918. He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial.

Number 102a – Mrs Foreman was recorded as living at this address. George Foreman was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Foreman. George was born at Hamstead, but enlisted at Chichester and became a regular soldier. He served in the 2^nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, 1^st Division, and was killed in action on 27 April 1916. He was buried in Bully Grenay Communal Cemetery French Extension.

Number 114 – Mr and Mrs Aldous lived in this house, and their son was Leading Signalman Ernest George Aldous who showed an early interest in the Navy, having joined while still a boy. Between leaving school and signing on, he had earned money as a shop porter. He was aboard the training ship St Vincent from 1904 to 1905, and went on a tour to India aboard HMS Terrible. During the First World War, he saw action at the battles off Heligoland, and off the Falklands, and served aboard HMS Invincible. This vessel was the flagship of Admiral Hood’s 3^rd Battle Cruiser Squadron, and was present at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May / 1 June 1916. She was a massive ship, and it was a dreadful tragedy when, under heavy fire, a shot found its way down ‘Q’ turret, causing the magazine to explode, and the ship to break in three parts. The disaster caused the death of 1,025 officers and men, including Admiral Hood, and not forgetting Leading Signalman Aldous and three other local men.

Unhappily, this was not the end of sorrows for the parents because another son was also lost in the war. He was Gunner David Henry Blanch who was born at Hove in 1899, who attended the George Street Schools, and later earned his living as a market gardener. In 1915 he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery. While serving in France he was taken as a prisoner of war and died on 29 August 1918. His death was even more poignant because it was nnear the end of the war.

Number 137 – Arthur Frederick Larter was the son of Mr and Mrs Larter who lived at this address. A. F. Larter was born at Hove but enlisted at Brighton. He served with the 13^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, and was killed in action on 18 September 1918 at the age of 25. He was buried in Gauzeaucourt New British Cemetery.

Hove Planning Approvals

1881 – Lainson & Son for Mr Blandford, seventeen houses, south side (plots 1 to 17)

1881 – Lainson & Son, seventeen houses (plots 73 to 89)

1889 – Lainson & Son for C. Blandford, two houses (numbers 18 & 19)

1890 – Mr Blandford, twelve houses, south side (plots 6 to 17)

1890 – Lainson & Son for Mr Stringer, sixteen houses, north sid

1893 – Lainson & Son for Mr Chadwell, six houses

1893 – T. Lainson & Son, three houses, and stabling with living rooms

1893 – S. Denman for T. J. Waghorn, four houses (numbers 2, 3, 4, 5)

1898 – G. M. Nye for W. Younger, stabling at the rear of number 83

1898 – G.M. Nye for W. Younger, laundry at rear of number 83

1899 – B. James for W. J. Chadwell, fourteen houses, two shops, north side

1901 – Lainson & Son for J. F. Waghorn, one house, south-east end

1904 – J. H. Hackman, conversion of houses into tenements, numbers 108 and 110 to 128

Sources

Argus

Encyclopaedia of Hove and Portslade

Hove Council Minute Books

Middleton, J. Hove and Portslade in the Great War (2014)

Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove

Street Directories

The Hovarian February 2022

On-line Hove’s Roll of Honour

20 April 2023

Montgomery Street, Hove.