Heritage Bognor
Image by Mike Jupp
Roman (CE 1-300)
While Bognor Regis is known for its later history as a seaside resort developed by Sir Richard Hotham and its "Regis" suffix granted by King George V, there's also evidence of Roman activity in the broader Bognor Regis area.
Archaeological investigations in and around Bognor Regis have revealed:
- Romano-British occupation: Excavations at sites like Bognor Regis Community College, Westloats Lane, have uncovered Romano-British pits, post-holes, and ditches, indicating a 1st-2nd century AD field system, with some use continuing into the 3rd century AD. Finds include Roman pottery, tile, and glass.
- Iron Age settlement with Roman connections: A significant discovery was the "mystery warrior" grave at North Bersted, Bognor Regis, found during excavations in 2008. This elaborately equipped Iron Age warrior, possibly a Gallic fighter who fled Julius Caesar's legions around 50 BC, suggests a pre-Roman presence with potential alliances or interactions with continental Gaul that would have been relevant during the Roman period.
- Roman artefacts: A rare Roman gold "cuff" bracelet, possibly a military armilla awarded for bravery, was found in Pagham (a nearby area) by a 12-year-old boy. This discovery, dating back to the first century AD, offers insights into Roman military practices and life in the wider Chichester/Arun area during the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43.
- Proximity to significant Roman sites: Bognor Regis is close to major Roman locations in West Sussex, such as Chichester (the Roman city of Noviomagus Reginorum) and Fishbourne Roman Palace. The well-preserved Bignor Roman Villa, with its world-class mosaic floors, is also nearby, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of Roman life in the region.
While Bognor Regis itself was not a major Roman town, archaeological findings confirm a Roman presence and activity in the area, likely related to agricultural practices, smaller settlements, and connections to the larger Roman network centered around Chichester.
Images by Mike Jupp
Bognor Regis, though significantly transformed into a seaside resort in later centuries, has roots stretching back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It is notable for having one of the oldest recorded Saxon place names in Sussex.
In a document from AD 680, the area was referred to as Bucgan ora, meaning "Bucge's shore" or "landing place." Bucge is believed to have been a female Saxon name, indicating the importance of this coastal spot as a personal or community landing area.
For many centuries, Bognor remained a small fishing village and, at times, was associated with smuggling activities. Archaeological findings in the broader Bognor Regis area have revealed Anglo-Saxon sites, including four Saxon ring-ditches, three of which surrounded central graves with inhumation burials, one dated to AD 640-879.
The wider region of West Sussex was part of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Sussex, which had its own kings until it was annexed by Wessex, likely in 827 AD. While historical accounts suggest the Saxons settled in the area from the late 5th century, recent research indicates that the western part of Sussex might have retained an independent British Christian kingdom for centuries longer than previously thought, with the name of the last Sussex king, Æthelwealh, even suggesting a "noble Briton" rather than purely Saxon origin.
Therefore, in the Anglo-Saxon era, Bognor (as it was then known) was a small coastal settlement, likely a landing place, and formed part of the evolving Anglo-Saxon landscape of Sussex, which itself had a complex and contested history during this period.
Sir Richard Hotham (1722-1799)
Sir Richard Hotham is widely recognized as the founder of Bognor as a seaside resort. Originally an East India merchant, property developer, and politician, Hotham visited Bognor, then a small fishing hamlet, in 1784 seeking the restorative qualities of sea air. Impressed by the area, he decided to transform it into a fashionable resort that he initially named Hothamton.
Hotham purchased approximately 1,600 acres of land and began an ambitious building project. In 1786, he acquired a farmhouse and rebuilt it into his first mansion, Bognor Lodge (demolished in 1937). He also established local brick-making and lime production to support his construction efforts. In 1792, he built Chapel House (now Hotham Park House) as his main residence, which included a private chapel and clock tower.
His vision was to create a tranquil resort that would attract nobility away from the more bustling Brighton and Margate, with the ultimate goal of attracting King George III or the Prince of Wales. He built grand terraced houses, a hotel (later expanded with amenities like a library and shops), and Hothamton Crescent, including Dome House, which was designed to attract royalty. The Prince of Wales did visit Dome House in 1796.
Sir Richard Hotham died in 1799, at the age of 76, before seeing the full completion of his ambitious project. He is buried at St. Mary Magdalene Church in South Bersted. His efforts laid the foundation for Bognor's growth into the popular seaside destination it is today, eventually earning the "Regis" suffix due to royal patronage in 1929.
You can find more detailed information through these sources:
William Blake, the renowned English poet, painter, and printmaker, lived in a cottage in Felpham, a village just east of Bognor Regis, from 1800 to 1803. While he didn't reside directly in Bognor Regis, his time in Felpham is closely associated with the area.
During his three-year stay in Felpham, Blake was highly productive, beginning work on his epic poems "Milton" and "Jerusalem." It was in his Felpham cottage that he penned the famous lines "And did those feet in ancient time," which later became the hymn "Jerusalem." He expressed great delight in the village, finding it more spiritual than London and describing it as a "dwelling for immortals."
His time in Felpham was not without incident, however. He was famously involved in a dispute with a soldier at the local Fox Inn, which led to him being falsely accused of treason and put on trial in Chichester. Although he was cleared of the charges, the experience soured his view of Felpham, and he returned to London in 1803.
Blake's Cottage in Felpham is one of only two of his residences to survive and is now owned by the Blake Cottage Trust, which is working to restore it and open it as a visitor center. The cottage holds Grade II* listed status and is considered a significant part of English literary history. The connection between Blake and the area is celebrated through initiatives like the William Blake Trail and the annual Blakefest in Bognor Regis.
During the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), Bognor, while still a relatively new and developing seaside resort, experienced the pervasive fear of French invasion that gripped the south coast of England.
Here's a summary of Bognor Regis in the Napoleonic War period:
- A Budding Seaside Resort: Bognor was in its early stages of development as a fashionable seaside resort, a vision championed by Sir Richard Hotham in the late 18th century. He aimed to attract nobility to the town, building mansions like Bognor Lodge (now Hotham Park House) and other properties. This effort continued into the Napoleonic era, with royalty like the Prince of Wales (later George IV) visiting in 1796. The wars, ironically, may have even spurred domestic tourism as continental travel became difficult.
- Invasion Threat and Defence: The primary concern for coastal towns like Bognor was the very real threat of a French invasion. While Britain's naval supremacy made a large-scale seaborne invasion unlikely, the south coast remained on high alert.
- Defensive Measures: Plans for defence were in place by 1796, including a rigorous "scorched-earth" policy to deny resources to any invading force. This involved evacuating the population, food, livestock, and vehicles, as well as destroying bridges and roads.
- Communication Systems: A network of beacon-masts, watch-houses, and semaphore telegraphs was established to speed up communication in case of a landing.
- Limited Fortifications: Though many Martello towers were built along the coast to counter the invasion threat, most were completed after the main threat had subsided with Nelson's victory at Trafalgar in 1805. It's unclear if any were directly in Bognor or its immediate vicinity during the peak threat.
- Impact on Daily Life (Indirect): While Bognor itself might not have seen direct conflict, the broader impact of the war would have been felt:
- Military Presence: Sussex, as a whole, saw a significant military presence, with thousands of soldiers stationed in coastal areas, which would have been a common sight for residents and visitors.
- Prisoners of War: Over 120,000 French prisoners of war were held in Britain, some in "parole towns" where officers were given a small allowance and could seek local employment. While specific records for Bognor are scarce, some prisoners were housed in nearby Wisborough Green and rumored to have worked on local roads.
- Economic Landscape: The war influenced trade and the economy. While Britain's mastery of the seas helped maintain trade, the Continental System aimed to disrupt it.
In essence, Bognor Regis during the Napoleonic Wars was a developing seaside resort that, despite its peaceful purpose, existed under the constant shadow of potential invasion, leading to preparations for defense and an awareness of the widespread conflict.
Victorian Seaside Resort (1800’s)
Bognor Regis transformed from a small fishing village into a prominent Victorian seaside resort, largely thanks to the vision of Sir Richard Hotham in the late 18th century. However, it was during the Victorian era that Bognor truly flourished and cemented its place as a popular holiday destination.
The arrival of the railway in 1864 was a pivotal moment, making Bognor easily accessible for a wider range of visitors, particularly those seeking an escape from the burgeoning industrial cities. This increased connectivity led to a rapid expansion of the town's size and population.
A defining feature of Bognor's Victorian identity was the construction of its iconic pier, which opened in 1865. The pier served as a central hub for entertainment and promenade, offering visitors a place to stroll, enjoy the sea air, and partake in amusements. Victorian architecture, much of which can still be seen today, adorned the seafront, reflecting the era's grand aesthetic and the town's growing prosperity.
While Bognor was originally envisioned as a fashionable resort for the wealthy, it evolved to cater to a broader range of holidaymakers, offering the quintessential British seaside experience with its shingle and sandy beaches, promenades, and developing entertainment options. Although Bognor gained its "Regis" suffix much later in 1929 after a royal convalescence, its foundation and significant growth as a seaside resort were firmly established during the Victorian period, characterised by the influx of visitors, the development of key infrastructure like the pier, and the distinctive architectural style of the era.
Bognor Regis, a quiet seaside resort with a population of around 8,000 in 1914, experienced significant changes during World War I, reflecting the broader impact of the conflict on the British Home Front.
The town contributed greatly to the war effort through its men who served, with many joining regiments like the Royal Sussex Regiment. The Battle of Boar's Head on June 30, 1916, was particularly devastating for the region, claiming the lives of many Bognor residents, leading to it being known as "The Day Sussex Died." Memorials in the town, such as the Bognor Regis and District War Memorial, stand as poignant tributes to these fallen servicemen.
Life on the home front was greatly affected by wartime regulations and shortages. The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) imposed strict rules, including blackout requirements, which were particularly impactful for a coastal town like Bognor, with residents facing fines for unextinguished lights. Food rationing became a way of life, with prices soaring and basic commodities like sugar, butter, and bread becoming scarce. Local fishing continued to supplement diets, and people adapted by foraging and even "pilfering" from fields.
Beyond the direct impact of the war, Bognor Pier played a role, albeit more prominently in World War II when it was renamed HMS St Barbara. However, even in WWI, the pier was used for billeting soldiers.
The war undoubtedly left a lasting mark on Bognor Regis, fostering a sense of community resilience amidst hardship and contributing to the town's shared history of sacrifice and remembrance.
King George V's visit to Bognor in 1929 was a pivotal moment in the town's history, leading to its official renaming as "Bognor Regis."
The primary purpose of his three-month stay, from February to May 1929, was for recuperation from a serious illness. The King had undergone lung surgery in December 1928 for septicaemia and pleurisy, and his doctors believed that the sea air and mild climate of Bognor would aid his slow recovery. He resided at Craigwell House in Aldwick, just outside Bognor, which offered privacy and proximity to the sea.
During his convalescence, the royal couple received visits from various members of the Royal Family, including their granddaughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II. The King's health significantly improved during his time in Bognor.
As a gesture of gratitude and to acknowledge the town's role in his recovery, King George V granted Bognor the suffix "Regis" (Latin for "of the King") by royal consent on July 26, 1929. This elevated the town's status and significantly boosted its reputation as a seaside resort.
Despite the positive outcome, a persistent anecdote suggests that the King was not particularly fond of Bognor. His alleged dying words, when told he might soon be well enough to revisit the town, were "Bugger Bognor!" While there's debate over the exact phrasing, it highlights a supposed lack of enthusiasm for the resort. Nonetheless, his visit undeniably put Bognor on the map and gave it its lasting royal connection.
Butlin's Bognor Regis is a well-established holiday camp located on the coast of West Sussex, England, approximately 55.5 miles southwest of London. Originally opening as an amusement park in 1932, it expanded into a full holiday camp in 1960. It was rebranded as Southcoast World for a period before returning to its current name, Butlins Resort Bognor Regis.
The resort is a significant employer in the Bognor Regis area, catering to over 385,000 visitors annually, with a large majority staying residentially.
Key Features and Facilities:
- Accommodation: Butlin's Bognor Regis offers a diverse range of accommodation options, including self-catering apartments (Standard, Silver, Gold), and three distinct hotels: the Shoreline Hotel (designed with children in mind), the Ocean Hotel, and the Wave Hotel & Apartments, catering to various budgets and group sizes. Some options include dining plans.
- Splash Waterworld: A major highlight is the indoor sub-tropical Splash Waterworld, featuring a variety of slides (including the world's first Helter Skelter waterslide), a wave pool, family raft rides, tipping buckets, and dedicated areas for younger children.
- Entertainment: Butlin's is renowned for its extensive entertainment program, much of which is included in the price of a stay. This includes:
- Live Shows: Featuring popular characters (like Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends), the resident Skyline Gang, pantomimes, and appearances by well-known performers and TV personalities (e.g., from The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent).
- Adult Weekenders ("Big Weekenders"): Dedicated adult-only weekends featuring live music, DJs, and themed events (e.g., 80s, 90s, electronic music, LGBTQ+ celebrations).
- Activities: The resort provides a vast array of activities for all ages, many of which are free to guests. These include:
- Traditional Fairground: With rides like dodgems and teacups, often with unlimited rides.
- Sports: Multi-sports courts, archery, fencing, swimming lessons, football coaching, go-karts, high ropes, climbing wall, and ten-pin bowling.
- Play Areas: Indoor soft play areas, outdoor adventure playgrounds, and a "Little Tikes Zone" for toddlers.
- Creative Activities: Arts and crafts, dance classes, and circus school.
- Dining: A wide selection of restaurants and food outlets are available, from buffet options (with dining plans often chosen by families) to specific restaurants like Firehouse Grill, The Beachcomber Inn, The Diner, Papa John's, Burger King, and Fish & Chips takeaways.
- Other Amenities: The resort also includes convenience stores, gift shops, cash points, and free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Butlin's Bognor Regis aims to provide a comprehensive holiday experience with a strong focus on family-friendly entertainment and activities, often emphasising that many attractions are included in the overall price.
Bognor Regis, a seaside town on the south coast of England, played a significant role on the Home Front during World War II, experiencing both the anxieties of a potential invasion and active participation in the war effort.
Pre-War Preparations and Initial Impact: As the threat of war loomed, Bognor Regis, like other towns in West Sussex, began preparations. This included the distribution of gas masks, air raid shelter construction, civil defence exercises, and evacuation schemes. Children and holidaymakers were even seen helping to fill sandbags on the beach in anticipation of conflict. When war was declared, the newly installed sirens wailed their first warnings, instilling a sense of fear and uncertainty among the populace.
Coastal Defenses and the Threat of Invasion: Being a coastal town, Bognor Regis was a front-line area and heavily fortified against a potential German invasion. Extensive anti-invasion defenses were constructed along the beaches, including barbed wire entanglements, scaffolding poles set into the sand, and pillboxes. Roadblocks were established inland, and the Home Guard played a vital role in keeping watch. While these defenses were never tested by an actual invasion, they were a constant reminder of the ever-present threat.
Civilian Life and Wartime Hardship: Civilian life in Bognor Regis was deeply impacted by the war. Evacuees from more heavily bombed areas were received in the town, and rationing became a daily reality. Despite the hardships, the community pulled together, with instances of local people assisting injured German airmen who had crashed nearby. The spirit of resilience was evident throughout the war.
Role in D-Day Preparations: Bognor Regis played a crucial role in the preparations for D-Day. The area, including nearby Pagham and Selsey, was used for the assembly and concealment of "Mulberry Harbours" – the temporary floating harbours essential for the Allied invasion of France. Many "beetle" pontoons and "caisson" breakwaters, designed to be towed across the Channel, were sunk off the coast of Bognor Regis to hide them from enemy view. One such "beetle" pontoon, which broke free in a storm before D-Day and was abandoned, remains visible on the beach today between Bognor Regis and Aldwick, serving as a tangible relic of this historic operation. Additionally, the region saw a significant build-up of military personnel, vehicles, and equipment, with airborne assault gliders being towed by aircraft over Bognor Regis on D-Day itself.
Air Raids and Dogfights: While not as heavily bombed as some larger cities, Bognor Regis did experience air raids, and residents witnessed fierce dogfights in the skies above. The wreckage of downed enemy aircraft was not uncommon, and bomb disposal teams were active in the area.
End of the War and Celebrations: As the war drew to a close, Bognor Regis erupted in celebration on VE Day. Coastal defenses were gradually removed, and the blackout was lifted, allowing residents to see their town fully lit for the first time in years. Street parties were a popular form of celebration, and the community came together to commemorate the end of the conflict and remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Shoreline Club in Bognor Regis has a rich and somewhat varied history, known primarily for two distinct periods:
1. A Historic 1960s Music Venue:
- Originally opening in the Caribbean Hotel in Bognor Regis in 1965, The Shoreline Club quickly gained a reputation as a significant rock music venue on England's south coast.
- It promoted itself as "The only Beatscene on the South Coast" and hosted "All Nite Raves."
- The club attracted notable acts of the time, including David Bowie (and The Buzz), Them, Pink Floyd, The Move, and Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band.
- In late 1966, it was handed over to the owners of the famous Marquee Club in London, further cementing its place in music history.
2. The Modern Shoreline Hotel at Butlin's Bognor Regis:
- Today, the "Shoreline Club" is more commonly associated with the Shoreline Hotel within the Butlin's Bognor Regis resort.
- This stylish hotel is designed with families and especially younger children in mind, featuring nautical-themed decor, including ship-themed rooms and carpets.
- It underwent a significant refurbishment in 2015.
- Facilities and Amenities at the Shoreline Hotel:
- Spacious bedrooms with sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, fridges, and private kids' areas with their own TVs and DVD players.
- The hotel offers reserved parking facilities.
- It has its own bistro restaurant, the South Coast Restaurant and Bar, offering traditional and international cuisine, including healthy options and kid-friendly choices with lowered countertops and an ice cream machine.
- A stylish cocktail bar and sun terrace.
- Conveniently located within the Butlin's resort, it offers easy access to the Skyline Pavilion, swimming pool, fairground, and other activities.
- Some rooms, particularly the Nelson State Rooms, offer excellent sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies.
- Microwaves are available on each floor for guest use.
In summary, while The Shoreline Club was once a legendary 1960s music hotspot, the name "Shoreline" in Bognor Regis today primarily refers to the family-focused Shoreline Hotel at the Butlin's resort, offering modern amenities and a comfortable stay for holidaymakers.