Transition between aerial images of Brighton, UK, taken in the middle of the 20th century and in 2012. Brighton is a seaside resort town on the south coast of England. In 2001, the town, along with its neighbouring town Hove, were granted city status as Brighton and Hove. Brighton was a small town until the mid- to late 18th century, when it was popularised by the Royal Family. In the 19th century its population grew from a few thousand at the start to more than 100, 000 by the end of the century. Two pleasure piers were constructed during this time, the West Pier in 1866 and the Palace Pier in 1899. The West Pier (lower left) closed to the public in 1975, and is now derelict and breaking up, as seen in the more recent image. The Palace Pier remains a popular tourist destination.