George IV first rented Brighton House, a simple farmhouse beside the sea, in 1786 when he was Prince of Wales. He enjoyed the informal atmosphere of the town.

Maria Fitzherbert, whom he had married unlawfully in 1785, had her own house close by. The following year the Prince commissioned Henry Holland to add a circular saloon and a further wing to the house in the neo-classical style. 

Holland's bow windows and iron balconies became fashionable Regency features. Between 1801 - 03 the interior was decorated in fanciful Chinese style and further extensions were made to the building.  In 1803 the enormous domed stable block was built behind the Pavilion by William Porden, in an Indian style. 

Between 1815 and 1821, John Nash was engaged to transform and extend the Pavilion, employed a mixture of classical and Indian styles which have been labelled 'Hindoo-Gothic'. The Prince rejected earlier 'oriental' designs and chose the Indian style for its picturesque qualities. The extraordinary exterior was completed in stucco and Bath stone in 1822. Nash has The opulent interior was completed in 1823 using the highest standards. George IV is said to have cried with joy when he first saw the magnificence of the completed Royal Pavilion - his favourite creation.

It is a quite unique building and well worth seeing.