Regency Hot Spots: Lucombe’s Library (Brighton)

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Copperplate line engraving published at Wises Manufactory, Tunbridge Town, c1827. No artist or engraver is mentioned. The large building is Lucombe’s Library which stood on the south corner of St James’s Street and Old Steine. The original building on this site was the single storey Gregory’s Library, founded c1760. In 1806 the new library owner, Mr. Donaldson senior, completely rebuilt the library to that as shown in this print.  This image comes from: Lucombe’s Library in ‘Part of the Steine, Brighton’ – Historic images of Brighton and Hove (regencysociety.org)

Brighton possesses perhaps no attractions for the young the cheerful snd the gay superior to what are to be met with at the Public Libraries No expense is spared by the proprietors of these fashionable resorts to render them worthy the patronage and support which they have for a long period of time without intermission experienced Lucombe's Library formerly under the direction of Mr Donaldson sen and Tuppen's Library on the Marine Parade are distinguished from the rest by the crowds which flock to them every evening either to partake of the Loos conducted there during summer or to gratify their taste with the admirable vocal and instrumental harmony that is constantly provided The rooms are spacious and fitted up with a degree of taste and elegance that is seldom met with Here assemble the beauty and fashion of the town to see and to be seen to gratify themselves by a participation in the cheerful pleasures of the evening and to delight others by their beaming smiles The collection of books at each of these Libraries is large and is daily augmented by every
new publication of merit The morning evening and some provincial papers are laid on the tables with many of the most valuable and popular periodical publications Whilst the evenings are here devoted to harmony and the cheerful recreation of the Loos the morning offers to the lovers of literature or fashionable loiterers every opportunity to improve the taste whether by reading or by mingling with company in cheerful conversation Mr Donaldsm jun some time ago opened a very commodious and elegantly fitted up Library on the Steyne a short distance from the one formerly cona ducted by his father now occupied by Mr Turner Those who are seeking for rational amusement will here find their wants supplied Baxter’s Stranger in Brighton and Directory, comprising a brief … account of the town … With … a map … and other engravings, 1826

The original library’s building was redeveloped in 1806 to offer a “spacious and handsome edifice, elegantly fitted up; and well stocked not only with books but with all that variety of fancy articles, bijouery, & required by fashionable company”  (Topographical Sketches of Brighthelmston, 1825 p. 26) The subscription was 8 shillings a month or 1 pound, 11 shillings, 6 pennies per year.

From all historical documents, I am surmising Lucombe took the library over in the 1820s.  Prior to that it was Donaldson’s Library.  It appears Lucombe may have purchased Donaldson out around 1823 or 1824 and expanded.  Lucombe’s would be replaced by Palmer’s New Bazaar by 1833, but for all accounts while it lasted it was an “it” spot.

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