Ask most people in Hove where Aldrington is and you will receive a lot of hazy answers.

Yet in the late Victorian era it was a serious rival to its grand next door neighbour.

There were only 27 people living in Aldrington when a census was conducted in 1871 but 20 years later the population had risen to 2,238.

A poll was taken in 1891 about whether Aldrington should be a separate district running its own affairs and this was passed by the people.

But two petitions started by big landowners recommended the burgeoning district should be amalgamated with Hove.

East Sussex County Council held two enquiries into the merger in 1892 and 1893. Eventually, amid much muttering, it was agreed.

Many streets were paved for the first time, including New Church Road, and street lighting was extended.

It was also agreed that Hove should buy at least ten acres of open land to be used as a park.

This is now called Wish Park by everyone except Brighton and Hove City Council, which has put up signs with the title of Aldrington Recreation Ground.

It was used more than once in the early days of flying, probably because it is not far from Shoreham Airport.

The name of Aldrington had been in existence for hundreds of years and still survives today. One of the most notable examples is the small station between Portslade and Hove on the West Coastway line.

Originally known as Dyke Junction because the line to Devil’s Dyke headed north from there, it was renamed in 1905.

Aldrington Basin is the name given to the canal extending almost to Hove Lagoon that is the eastern arm of Shoreham Harbour. Opened in 1855, it has always been the main industrial area of Hove.

The Aldrington Church of England primary school was built in 1888 and was run on strictly religious lines.

It became popular with more than 100 pupils by the time of its centenary.

It was decided to move it northwards from its cramped space in Portland Road by a mile to Eridge Close near Nevill Playing Field, despite some opposition.

The old building now houses Young Sussex.

Aldrington Club, also in Portland Road, was founded in 1897 and there is a road called Aldrington Avenue.

St Leonard’s Church in Aldrington is the attractive church at the western end of New Church Road and is allied with St Philip’s (the original new church). It is not nearly as old as it looks.

Nearby is the Aldrington Glebe Land, which has remained undeveloped and is used as playing fields by local schools.

Aldrington House in New Church Road was designed as a large villa but for many years has been used to help people with mental health problems.

To answer the question at the start of this article, Aldrington is now the area known generally as West Hove.

  • More information about Aldrington’s history can be found in the Encyclopaedia Of Hove And Portslade by Judy Middleton