In 1832, two years after the death of King George IV, work started on an exciting project on the site of Palmeira Square in Hove.
The botanist, Henry Phillips, was responsible for the idea, an enormous conservatory 22 metres high with a dome formed of cast iron ribs measuring 50 metres in diameter.
Inside this anthaeum (flower house), there would be gravel walks, shrubs, flowers, large tropical, oriental and European trees intended to attract birds. It was to be the largest building of its kind in the world.
The architect, A.H. Wilds, supervised the early stages of construction. It was understood that a central iron pillar would help to support the iron ribs at the pinnacle of the dome. When it was argued that the central pillar was unnecessary, both Wilds and the chief engineer resigned from the project.
On 29th August 1833, just one day after the building was completed, its structure gave way and it collapsed. Nobody was killed. The head gardener, who was alone in the building, just got out in time. The debris of broken glass and tangled girders remained on the site until Palmeira Square was built in 1855.
1822 The Royal Pavilion was completed.
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