A review of the content
of The Round Hill Society's website
The Round Hill Society's website, roundhill.org.uk, serves as a comprehensive resource for residents of the Round Hill Conservation Area in Brighton. It offers a wealth of information on community initiatives, local history, planning matters, and environmental efforts.
Community Engagement and Events
The Society organises a variety of events to foster community spirit, including:
- Street Parties and Street Play: Regular gatherings that encourage neighbourly interaction.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Events like the Halloween Street Play and Advent Windows bring festive cheer.
- Plant Sales and Garden Picnics: Opportunities for residents to engage in gardening and enjoy communal spaces.
- Heritage Open Days and History Walks: Activities that celebrate and educate about the area's rich history.
- Videos and reports of these events are available on the website, showcasing the community's active participation.
Planning and Conservation
The Society plays an active role in local planning and conservation efforts. It provides resources on:
- Conservation Area Character Statement: Documentation that outlines the unique features of the Round Hill area.
- Planning Applications: Information on recent applications and the Society's responses, ensuring developments align with the community's character.
- Conservation Advisory Group: Details on the Society's representation and involvement in broader conservation discussions.
Environmental stewardship is a key focus, with initiatives such as:
- Community Clean-ups: Organised efforts to maintain the cleanliness and appeal of the neighbuorhood.
- Greening Projects: Programs like the Bus Stop Pocket Park aim to introduce more greenery into urban spaces.
- Gardens & Wildlife: Resources and articles encouraging residents to support local biodiversity.
Communication and Resources
The Society keeps residents informed through:
- The Round Hill Reporter: A printed newsletter delivered three times a year, featuring news, events, and community stories.
- Website Features: A searchable site directory, event listings, and downloadable resources.
- Community Noticeboard: A Facebook group facilitating discussions and information sharing among residents.
Overall, the Round Hill Society's website is a central hub for community engagement, offering residents a platform to connect, stay informed, and participate in preserving the unique character of their neighbourhood.
Does the Round Hill website offer any local history resources?
Yes, the Round Hill Society's website offers a wealth of local history resources about the Round Hill area in Brighton. These resources are ideal for anyone interested in exploring the neighborhood's past, whether you're a resident, researcher, or history enthusiast.
Historical Articles and Newsletters
The site features numerous articles written by local residents, many of which originally appeared in The Round Hill Reporter, the Society’s quarterly newsletter. These articles delve into various aspects of the area's history, including:
- The development of Round Hill from the 19th century onwards
- The history of the local windmill and laundries
- Notable events like the 1950 smallpox outbreak
- Personal stories and house histories, such as the life of Henry Baker Colbran at 3 Round Hill Crescent
Maps, Photos, and Research Tools
The website offers a variety of tools and resources for conducting your own historical research:
- Historic Maps: Access to maps from 1853, 1873, and 1892, showing the area's development over time.
- Street Directories and Census Data: Information from the 1871 and 1891 censuses, as well as old street directories, to trace the history of specific addresses.
- Photographic Archives: Links to the James Gray Collection, which includes historical photographs of Round Hill and surrounding areas .
The Round Hill Society has been involved in publishing local history books, most notably Rose Hill to Roundhill: a Brighton Community. This book, authored by local residents, offers an in-depth look at the area's transformation from rural land to urban neighbourhood, incorporating oral histories and archival research .
Guided History Walks For a more immersive experience, the Society organises guided history walks. These walks, led by knowledgeable residents, explore significant sites and stories within Round Hill, including the former windmill, local factories, and the evolution of the neighbourhood's architecture. You can explore all these resources in the History section of the Round Hill Society's website. Whether you're researching your home's history or simply curious about the area's past, the site offers a comprehensive starting point
This page was last updated by Ted on 29-May-2025