An historic square was once the scene of a soldiers' station in Jane Austen's most famous novel.

Belle Vue Field - where Regency Square now stands in Brighton - was, in the 18th Century, the location of military encampments described by the novelist in Pride And Prejudice.

The fact was uncovered during a review by Brighton and Hove City Council of the city's history.

Six conservation areas in Brighton and Hove have been studied by council officers so that planners can be better informed when deciding how buildings should be restored and how new development fits in.

The history reports will be presented to the council's environment committee on Thursday.

Members will consider whether to rename Clifton Hill - the area between Western Road and Seven Dials - the Montpelier and Clifton Hill Conservation Area.

Montpelier was named after the eponymous French spa town because it was next to a spa developed in the 1760s.

The environment committee meets at 5pm on October 20 at Brighton town hall.