🏠 Roman


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.