Publications
The Saltdean Story, by Douglas D'Enno, published 1 January 1985 (192 pp., Chichester: Phillimore & Co. Ltd., ISBN-10: 0850335736 & ISBN-13: 9780850335736) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The church in a garden: Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen of Peace, Rottingdean, Brighton, by Douglas D'Enno, published 9 February 2001 (204 pp., Brighton: D.D. Publishing, ISBN-10: 0954003306 & ISBN-13: 9780954003302) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Foul Deeds & Suspicious Deaths Around Brighton, by Douglas D'Enno, published 28 October 2003 (285 pp., Wharncliffe Books, ISBN-10: 190342562X & ISBN-13: 9781903425626) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502322] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This gripping volume covers two centuries of murderous doings in Brighton portrayed in fifteen vivid case histories. All the crimes took place within the town except two, where the victims were prominent Brighton citizens travelling on business. The accounts are arranged in an unusual yet logical manner, namely by theme. The categories comprise trunk murders, poisonings, child murders, killings over nothing, deaths suffered on journeys, and provocation, infidelity and lust. Surprisingly, no single volume devoted to murders in Brighton has ever appeared before. This is extraordinary considering the town has been dubbed the 'Queen of Slaughtering Places'. As well as filling a void in the field of true crime on this part of the Sussex Coast, the book contains many rare images of Brighton in the past which admirably complement the text. Local historians and general readers alike will be fascinated by this pictorial material, much of it previously unpublished.
Brighton Crime and Vice, 1800-2000, by Douglas D'Enno, published 19 July 2007 (224 pp., Wharncliffe Books, ISBN-10: 1845630300 & ISBN-13: 9781845630300) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Rottingdean Through Time, by Douglas D'Enno, published 30 November 2009 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1848681976 & ISBN-13: 9781848681972)
Abstract:Rottingdean Through Time is a unique insight into the illustrious history of this part of the country. Reproduced in full colour, this is an exciting examination of Rottingdean, the famous streets and the famous faces, and what they meant to the people of Rottingdean throughout the 19th and into the 20th Century. Looking beyond the exquisite exterior of these well-kept photos, readers can see the historical context in which they are set. Through the author's factual captions for every picture, and carefully-selected choice of images, the reader can achieve a reliable view of the town's history. Readers are invited to follow a timeline of events and watch the changing face of Rottingdean, as Douglas d'Enno guides us through the town's streets. There is something for everyone here, whether they have lived in the area all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this fabulous town. It also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an ever-changing society.
Review by Geoffrey Mead in Sussex Past & Present no. 121, August 2010:It has been said that Sussex has more books written on it than any other county, and within the county Rottingdean must be up in the top-ten of village histories. Douglas D'Enno has added to the total with this latest addition to the Amberley series of 'then and now' images.
In a much larger format and length than previously, D'Enno has given us the definitive work on the neighbouring suburb of Saltdean, but this is aimed at a different audience and fulfils different criteria. The quality of this series' images is stunning and the local input that he provides gives some interesting insights to what are standard postcard views. The volume is, however, patchy with a whole section on vintage vehicles that sits somewhat uneasily with the 'then and now' view. The most interesting aspect of the book is the impact of interwar development on the village with the road widening along the coast, undercliff walk, and replacement or remodelling for a string of pubs, blocks of flats and the addition of domestic suburban housing. The interwar predilection of postcard publishers to show domestic housing is one that has (sadly) gone missing from the present day equivalents!
In a much larger format and length than previously, D'Enno has given us the definitive work on the neighbouring suburb of Saltdean, but this is aimed at a different audience and fulfils different criteria. The quality of this series' images is stunning and the local input that he provides gives some interesting insights to what are standard postcard views. The volume is, however, patchy with a whole section on vintage vehicles that sits somewhat uneasily with the 'then and now' view. The most interesting aspect of the book is the impact of interwar development on the village with the road widening along the coast, undercliff walk, and replacement or remodelling for a string of pubs, blocks of flats and the addition of domestic suburban housing. The interwar predilection of postcard publishers to show domestic housing is one that has (sadly) gone missing from the present day equivalents!
Fisherman Against the Kaiser: Shockwaves of War 1915-1915, by Douglas D'Enno, published 18 March 2010 (240 pp., Pen & Sword Books Ltd., ISBN-10: 1844159795 & ISBN-13: 9781844159796) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:British fishermen are among the unsung heroes of the First World War. The conflict with Germany had an immediate and enduring impact on their lives and livelihood. They were immediately caught up in the sea war against the Kaiser's navy, confronting the threats presented by the submarines, minelayers, gunboats and capital ship of the High Seas Fleet. Often they found themselves thrust into strange, dangerous situations, which put their lives at risk and tested to the limit their bravery and skill as seamen. This is their fascinating story.
For the first time in this two-volume study Douglas d'Enno provides a comprehensive and lasting record of the services rendered by the fishermen and their vessels, both under naval control and on their own account. His pioneering history shows the full extent of their contribution to the British war effort, from minesweeping and submarine detection to patrol, escort and counterattack duties. The areas of action were not limited to the home waters of the Channel, the North Sea and the Western Approaches but ranged as far as the Arctic and the Mediterranean's Aegean and Adriatic seas. Extraordinary stories are recounted here of the hazards of minesweeping, battles with U-boats, decoy missions, patrols, blockades, rescues and capture by the enemy. First-hand accounts make up the essence of the material. Reports from the leading trade journals, specialist literature and personal manuscripts vividly recall the fishermen's experiences and the hardships and dangers they faced throughout the war.
For the first time in this two-volume study Douglas d'Enno provides a comprehensive and lasting record of the services rendered by the fishermen and their vessels, both under naval control and on their own account. His pioneering history shows the full extent of their contribution to the British war effort, from minesweeping and submarine detection to patrol, escort and counterattack duties. The areas of action were not limited to the home waters of the Channel, the North Sea and the Western Approaches but ranged as far as the Arctic and the Mediterranean's Aegean and Adriatic seas. Extraordinary stories are recounted here of the hazards of minesweeping, battles with U-boats, decoy missions, patrols, blockades, rescues and capture by the enemy. First-hand accounts make up the essence of the material. Reports from the leading trade journals, specialist literature and personal manuscripts vividly recall the fishermen's experiences and the hardships and dangers they faced throughout the war.
East Brighton and Ovingdean Through Time, by Douglas D'Enno, published 27 September 2010 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1848689047 & ISBN-13: 9781848689046) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This volume takes the reader on a carefully planned tour of a large and diverse segment of Brighton, using illustrations which in many cases have never previously been published in a book. Unusually for a 'then and now' study, early prints and colour paintings are also featured (that by Edward Fox on the front cover is an example) and contrast all the more sharply with scenes of the present day. The journey takes in the three major, parallel roads that traverse East Brighton then proceeds north, via Queen's Park, to Race Hill. Views of the various estates built to provide much-needed new housing for an expanding Brighton follow. A return is made to the coastal portion with stunning and sometimes rare views of Black Rock and the Marina. The images then take us eastward through Roedean to Ovingdean, a once sleepy farming village now transformed into a suburb of desirable residences.
Sussex Coast Through Time, by Douglas D'Enno, published 6 April 2012 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445605465 & ISBN-13: 9781445605463) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in the Sussex Coast has changed and developed over the last century.
Review by Maria Gardiner in Sussex Past & Present no. 129, April 2013:There are many books of photographs of the beautiful Sussex coastline, but Douglas d'Enno in his book Sussex Coast Through Time is more concerned to focus on the social changes which have occurred over the last 150 years on or near the shoreline. He does this by presenting us with a series of contrasting images beginning with Camber Sands in the east, and ending 90 miles away in Chichester Harbour using a mixture of paintings, postcards and photographs dating from the latter part of the 19th century.
An early pairing is labelled 'Rye Harbour Postmaster' and shows Mr A G Hedgler looking out of the front door of the Post Office in the 1920s, compared with the current use as residences of both the Post Office and the neighbouring Methodist Chapel. Similar contrasts are shown by those of central Shoreham, whilst those of East Brighton show what Brighton people are missing whilst the Black Rock site still awaits development.
In researching the book the author made use of many local experts who shared their knowledge of building use and offered glimpses into the lives of the people in the images. A 1939 postcard of the Pagham Riviera Lido Holiday Club was sent by someone who had to leave because of evacuation. 'I wish Hitler at the bottom of the sea' the sender cries.
It is noteworthy that many of the photographs have never been published before in a book, and this distinguishes Sussex Coast Through Time from other volumes of before and after images. It should be of interest to both general readers and social historians.
An early pairing is labelled 'Rye Harbour Postmaster' and shows Mr A G Hedgler looking out of the front door of the Post Office in the 1920s, compared with the current use as residences of both the Post Office and the neighbouring Methodist Chapel. Similar contrasts are shown by those of central Shoreham, whilst those of East Brighton show what Brighton people are missing whilst the Black Rock site still awaits development.
In researching the book the author made use of many local experts who shared their knowledge of building use and offered glimpses into the lives of the people in the images. A 1939 postcard of the Pagham Riviera Lido Holiday Club was sent by someone who had to leave because of evacuation. 'I wish Hitler at the bottom of the sea' the sender cries.
It is noteworthy that many of the photographs have never been published before in a book, and this distinguishes Sussex Coast Through Time from other volumes of before and after images. It should be of interest to both general readers and social historians.
Southwick & Shoreham Through Time, by Douglas D'Enno, published 28 February 2014 (Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445606429 & ISBN-13: 9781445606422)
Sussex Through Time, by Douglas D'Enno, published 28 April 2014 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445609002 & ISBN-13: 9781445609003) accessible at: & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This companion volume to Sussex Coast Through Time is unique in being the first 'then and now' book to portray the numerous and diverse communities of East and West Sussex through rich sepia and stunning colour images. Most of the early pictures have never previously been published and include a number of rarities that can only now be widely enjoyed. Far from simply depicting street scenes, the focus occasionally shifts, with suitable background, to an event, a group of buildings or perhaps even simply a shop or house to illustrate local change - for better or worse - down the years. Sussex Through Time is an important addition to the literature on Sussex and forms a valuable and long-awaited comparative record of most of the settlements lying within this extensive county.
Review by Maria Gardiner in Sussex Past & Present no. 136, August 2015:This latest collection of Douglas D'Enno's photographs is, as he writes, 'a companion to my Sussex Coast Through Time' that was reviewed in a recent edition of Sussex Past & Present. Like the earlier volume, most of the images are taken from postcards which are arranged in geographical order from Rye to South Harting.
The author's method is to take an image from earlier in the last century, and then try to reproduce it from the same vantage point: an endeavour which at times must have been rather perilous as roads which were once almost empty have been replaced with roads which are filled with traffic. He is careful to tell his readers the precise location of the images, e.g. 'The small market town of Heathfield lies almost equidistant . . . located near a junction . . . and the viewpoint looks south-eastward . . .'. He is also concerned to tell us of any rail-links and the 1904 map of Sussex shown at the end of the book shows how many of these links have been lost.
The images illustrating Worthing serve to illustrate Enno's approach. The one taken in the early twentieth century shows the former Town Hall: an imposing classical building which was demolished in 1968. It is surrounded by narrow streets and little shops each with an awning. There is no traffic except for pedestrians calmly walking around. The modern half of the pair taken from the same position is very different. The Town Hall is now the Guildbourne Centre - a shopping mall of undistinguished architecture - and none of the little shops exist any more. There are trees and hanging baskets, and whereas in the earlier picture all the ladies are wearing long skirts, in the newer image all but one person is wearing trousers. This pairing is perhaps extreme. It is remarkable in fact how little has changed in the smaller communities: the greatest change being the arrival of motor traffic and telegraph poles.
My main criticism of this book is that the author has tried to cover too much ground. It may be that there is a lack of early pictures, but rather than the skimming off the surface shown in this volume, it might have been better if the material had been divided into two books, one for each half of Sussex, with a greater selection of images being shown of each location. In his acknowledgements he apologises for the fact that lack of space prevented him from doing justice to the numerous books and websites he used as reference material. This was a pity and I hope that, if the book goes into a second edition, the lack can be remedied. Nonetheless, Sussex Through Time achieves its purpose and stands as a worthy companion to Sussex Coast Through Time.
The author's method is to take an image from earlier in the last century, and then try to reproduce it from the same vantage point: an endeavour which at times must have been rather perilous as roads which were once almost empty have been replaced with roads which are filled with traffic. He is careful to tell his readers the precise location of the images, e.g. 'The small market town of Heathfield lies almost equidistant . . . located near a junction . . . and the viewpoint looks south-eastward . . .'. He is also concerned to tell us of any rail-links and the 1904 map of Sussex shown at the end of the book shows how many of these links have been lost.
The images illustrating Worthing serve to illustrate Enno's approach. The one taken in the early twentieth century shows the former Town Hall: an imposing classical building which was demolished in 1968. It is surrounded by narrow streets and little shops each with an awning. There is no traffic except for pedestrians calmly walking around. The modern half of the pair taken from the same position is very different. The Town Hall is now the Guildbourne Centre - a shopping mall of undistinguished architecture - and none of the little shops exist any more. There are trees and hanging baskets, and whereas in the earlier picture all the ladies are wearing long skirts, in the newer image all but one person is wearing trousers. This pairing is perhaps extreme. It is remarkable in fact how little has changed in the smaller communities: the greatest change being the arrival of motor traffic and telegraph poles.
My main criticism of this book is that the author has tried to cover too much ground. It may be that there is a lack of early pictures, but rather than the skimming off the surface shown in this volume, it might have been better if the material had been divided into two books, one for each half of Sussex, with a greater selection of images being shown of each location. In his acknowledgements he apologises for the fact that lack of space prevented him from doing justice to the numerous books and websites he used as reference material. This was a pity and I hope that, if the book goes into a second edition, the lack can be remedied. Nonetheless, Sussex Through Time achieves its purpose and stands as a worthy companion to Sussex Coast Through Time.
Brighton in the Great War, by Douglas D'Enno, published 30 November 2015 (176 pp., Pen & Sword Books ltd., ISBN-10: 1783032995 & ISBN-13: 9781783032990) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/509151] & West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Although the impact of the Great War on Brighton was profound, the seaside town was spared any direct attack by the enemy. The fear of spies and sabotage, however, was widespread at first and aliens were an issue which had to be swiftly resolved under new legislation. Allies, of course, were warmly welcomed, and accommodation was swiftly found for those fleeing the catastrophic events in Belgium.Between 1914 and 1918, Brighton made major contributions to the war effort in many ways: by responding readily to the call to arms, by caring for great numbers of wounded (the story of the exotic Royal Pavilion being used as a hospital for Indian casualties is widely known locally) and by simply being itself - an open and welcoming resort that offered sanctuary, respite and entertainment to besieged Londoners and to other visitors, from every stratum of society. The book looks at the fascinating wartime roles of Brighton's women, who quietly played a vital part in transport services, industrial output and food production. Non-combatant menfolk also kept the wheels turning under very trying circumstances. When the meat shortage became acute, the mayor himself took direct action, requisitioning ninety sheep at Brighton Station for the town which were destined for butchers' shops in London.The names of no fewer than 2,597 men and three women who made the supreme sacrifice were inscribed on the town's memorial, which was unveiled at the Old Steine on 7 October 1922 by Earl Beatty. At the ceremony, the earl acknowledged that 'it was by duty and self-sacrifice that the war was won.' It remained, he said, for those who had survived the conflict to ensure that the great sacrifices of the past, both by the dead and the living, should not have been made in vain. We remember them in this book.
Sussex Railway Stations Through Time, by Douglas D'Enno, published 15 August 2016 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445648768 & ISBN-13: 9781445648767)
Abstract:It was in 1841 that the London & Brighton Railway constructed the line from Norwood (linking with the London & Croydon Railway) to the coast. The lines built between 1841 and 1868 formed a comprehensive countywide network, extending from Three Bridges to Midhurst and Chichester in the west and (via the South Eastern Railway) from Tunbridge Wells to Bexhill, thence to Rye, in the east. The county's coastal stations yield their own interesting story. Apart from the stations on main routes, those on branch lines and wayside halts are also included.
In this book, Douglas d'Enno explores the absorbing and sometimes colourful story of one county's railway stations. The older photographs feature early postcards and carefully selected images from railway archives and publications. When juxtaposed with their present-day equivalents, the extent of the change in these facilities for rail passengers can be fully appreciated.
In this book, Douglas d'Enno explores the absorbing and sometimes colourful story of one county's railway stations. The older photographs feature early postcards and carefully selected images from railway archives and publications. When juxtaposed with their present-day equivalents, the extent of the change in these facilities for rail passengers can be fully appreciated.