St Stephen's Church, Brighton

Brighton began to develop as a spa town and seaside resort in the mid-18th century, encouraged by local doctor Richard Russell's influential advocacy of the therapeutic use of seawater, by drinking it and bathing in it. These activities became fashionable among high society and rich people, which gave the declining fishing village a surge of popularity in the 1750s. The Steine (now Old Steine), an area of flat, grassy, sheltered land behind the seafront, developed as the growing town's promenade, where visitors would walk and socialise. The surrounding area soon became built up, and in 1752 innkeeper Samuel Shergold bought a recently built house on the southwest side of The Steine and…

John Crunden designed the Castle Inn ballroom in the Adam style, which is still discernible in the interior despite the many changes of use the building has experienced. facing Montpelier Place, with Doric pilasters below a pediment and cornice, topped by a lantern. The east and west faces have arched windows. Local architect George Cheeseman was responsible for this work. The porch, a later addition, has three bays with arched windows in the outer pair and the entrance door in the centre.

St Stephen's Church was listed at Grade II* by English Heritage on 13 October 1952. This status is given to "particularly important buildings of more than special interest". As of February 2001, it was one of 70 Grade II*-listed buildings and structures, and 1,218 listed buildings of all grades, in the city of Brighton and Hove. The First Base Day Centre, as the building is now known, is run by Brighton Housing Trust. It was established in the 1960s and now has several sites in the city. About 100 people use the centre daily. Since the trust acquired the building, it has made several internal alterations.