Why Does Brighton Belong to East Sussex and Not West Sussex?
The question of why Brighton belongs to East Sussex and not West Sussex is indeed intriguing and stems from a complex interplay of historical, administrative, and geographical factors. Understanding the historical background and current administrative division is crucial for comprehending this longstanding geographical anomaly.
Historical Division
The division of Sussex into East Sussex and West Sussex has its roots in the early medieval period. Sussex was originally a single historic county known as the Kingdom of Sussex during the Anglo-Saxon era. As the region grew in size and complexity, the need for better administrative organization led to the division of Sussex into two parts: East Sussex and West Sussex. This division is believed to have occurred around the 7th century during the period of the Kingdom of Sussex.
Administrative Reasons
The primary administrative reason for the division into East and West Sussex was to facilitate more efficient governance and the provision of local services. Dividing the county into smaller, manageable regions allowed for better administration and collaboration among local authorities. These divisions were also influenced by the geographical features of the area, particularly the South Downs, which naturally provided a geographical boundary between the two counties.
Geographical Boundaries
The division of Sussex by geographical features such as the South Downs played a significant role in shaping its administrative boundaries. The South Downs, a major range of chalk downs running through the county, served as a natural dividing line between East and West Sussex, influencing the placement of settlements and administrative divisions.
Historical Settlements and Current Governance
Brighton, which emerged as a small fishing village and later grew into a popular seaside resort, happened to fall within the jurisdiction of East Sussex due to historical boundaries and administrative divisions. The city's placement within East Sussex is a reflection of these historical divisions and administrative considerations that have persisted over time.
It's important to note that despite Brighton's location within East Sussex, it has a unique administrative status as a Unitary Authority. This distinction means that Brighton operates as a single, self-governing administrative entity with both county and district functions. In many other parts of the United Kingdom, the county and district levels of governance are combined in a way that makes it easier for each location to function efficiently.
Why Isn't Brighton the County Town of West Sussex?
Just as dividing Sussex created East and West Sussex, it's worth considering why Brighton, a bustling and vibrant city, did not become the county town of West Sussex. Part of this decision likely relates to historical and administrative considerations similar to those that determined its departmental affiliation. The choice for the county town of West Sussex was influenced by a combination of factors, including the strategic importance of certain settlements and the economic and social dynamics of the region.
Further Context
Similar questions arise in other contexts, such as why Los Angeles is not the state capital of California or why Sydney isn't the capital of Australia. Such questions highlight the intricate processes that shape the geography and governance of regions and countries. Additionally, why Aston University is in Birmingham and why Birmingham University is in Aston demonstrates the complexity of academic institutions' locations, often influenced by historical, economic, and administrative decisions.
In conclusion, the placement of Brighton in East Sussex and its status as a separate Unitary Authority reflects the long-standing historical, administrative, and geographical factors that have shaped the organization of the region. Understanding these factors is key to grasping the unique historical and administrative context of Brighton within East Sussex.