🏠 Napoleonic War


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.