The French bombardment of Brighton in 1545 was the second time within thirty years that the fishing village had been attacked by French forces — it had previously been burned in 1514. The raid demonstrated that despite the massive investment in Device Forts the open beaches of Sussex between the major fortified points remained vulnerable to galley raids. The 1545 attack helped prompt improved beach defences across Sussex.
Several English killed or wounded; buildings burned
French galley squadron; local Brighton militia overwhelmed
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