Brighton boxer Thomas Sayers was born 200 years ago today (Monday 25 May) – and to mark the occasion, a senior councillor has given his commemorative plaque a spruce.
Jacob Allen said: “As cabinet member for public realm, I went to personally clean up the plaque on North Road to pugilist Thomas Sayers ahead of his 200th birthday.
“I wanted to pay respects to Sayers and make sure his plaque was looking pristine ahead of his bicentennial birthday.
“As an administration, we are proud of Brighton and Hove’s heritage and that includes celebrating figures from our past who made an impact – literally in Tom the boxer’s case!”
“Some people try to make fun of me for cleaning things myself throughout the city – but I say as an Englishman that DIY is in our DNA.
“And I am more than happy to spend some of my bank holiday weekend paying tribute to our forefathers that helped make our city unique.”









It’s likely Cllr Jacob Allen will have a lot more time on his hands after the local elections next May. Let’s see if he goes round cleaning plaques and issuing press releases to local journalists then 😉
Hope Ms Sankey will have a lot more time too
It’s a good reminder that a lot of Ward Councillors go into the job because they want to make a positive difference to the city, and have been involved in lots of activities beforehand.
And to add they will be involved in lots of activities when they don’t win their seat in 2027. Hopefully these won’t be involving closing local schools.