During the early nineteenth century, when Brighton was being developed eastward from the Old Steine, extensive work was carried out to protect the crumbling cliffs, and buildings above, from erosion by the then, much higher, tide. The seawall was extended from the Steine to Royal Crescent, encasing the cliffs in concrete and hardcore.

In 1870, the seawall was faced with stone from the original (demolished) Blackfriars Bridge in London. The new road was laid out on top of the wall using rubble from the old sea defences.

Madeira Terrace Lift and Shelter originally opened in 1890 to link Marine Parade with  Madeira Drive – then called Madeira Road. Originally powered by hydraulics, the lift descends into a shelter (now Concorde 2) which was designed to accommodate visitors during bad weather. The building was listed Grade II by English Heritage in 1971 and after a period of closure, the lift re-opened following restoration in 2007.

Continue East to the Banjo Groyne.