History of Littlehampton
Littlehampton is steeped in history. Its origins date back to Roman Times, when it was known as Hampton. It wasn’t until the 14th Century that it became Little Hampton – this differentiated it from the larger Southampton.

As with many seaside towns, it has seen its share of bloody times. In 1136 the forces of Empress Matilda landed here to begin her war with King Stephen. And Henry VIII used Littlehampton as a royal dockyard.

The town has been a haven for creatives over the years, with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Lord Byron all coming to savour the peace and tranquillity. More recently, fans of Ronnie Barker will be interested to know that he had a property in South Terrace and it is thought that the series Open All Hours was based on his local corner shop in Norfolk Road, Littlehampton. In addition to this the 3rd Assault Unit was based at the Marine Pub in Littlehampton and these men were the basis for Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

The resorts’ attractions include a Golf Course (open to non-members), theatre, sports centre, museum and the Look & Sea Visitor Centre whilst Harbour Park, an all-weather adventure village, offers family fun for all ages. Visiting crews are also welcome at the Arun Yacht Club and Littlehampton Sailing and Motoring Club.
 

Importance of the River
 

Littlehampton has a beautiful natural harbour at the mouth of the River Arun. The harbour provides a safe haven for all leisure craft as well as being a small commercial port.

The River Arun drains over 376 square miles of land, nearly all of which is in the county of West Sussex, through its entrance at Littlehampton. This is believed to be the largest catchment area of any river between the Medway and the Tamar along the south coast. If one imagines a bath as the catchment area and the plug hole as the mouth of the river, then it is a remarkably big bath and a remarkably small plug hole – just 30 metres or 100 feet in width at the entrance. The river also has the reputation for being the second fastest flowing in the country.

Littlehampton has been a port since Roman Times, but it only overtook Arundel as the river’s main harbour in the 1820’s.  Maritime trade was the most important driver of Littlehampton’s economy until the railway first steamed into town in 1863.  The new railway changed the face of the industrial areas of the town and brought holiday makers into the area – beginning the town’s booming leisure industry. Littlehampton had already officially been a town for a decade by this point and the motto – “Progress” (which still stands as the town’s motto) – must have seemed exceedingly appropriate.

Once inside the harbour, there are pontoons complete with power, light and water which are provided in front of the Harbour Office. For a small charge these are available for visitors as are the showers and toilets within the office. The moorings are adjacent to Pier Road with its shops and waterside restaurants and just a short, level stroll along a scenic riverside walkway from the town centre. The maritime themed pedestrian precinct plays host to familiar High Street stores as well as chemists, newsagents, a hardware shop and supermarket.

If you get under the skin of Littlehampton, you’ll uncover all sorts of interesting facts.  For example, those of us young (or old) enough to remember, the first ever Blue Peter lifeboat was (and still is) stationed at Littlehampton, the lifeboat service has been in operation since 1884.

The harbour limits extend for six miles from the sea to the old bridge road at Arundel although navigation is possible for small craft as far as Stopham Road Bridge, a distance of 20 miles. There are, however, several low bridges to negotiate if attempting this passage and at low water shallows will be found at Warningcamp, Ford, North of Stoke Bridge, the Black Rabbit Hotel and in the vicinity of Offham Bridge.
 

Fishing Industry and the Oyster Pond including the Waymarkers

Look out for some unique art work that lines the Riverwalk way in Littlehampton. Stretching from the Look and Sea! Centre down the area opposite the Oyster Pond, the Oyster Waymarkers give visitors the opportunity to discover local seafood recipes. These recipes were compiled by a local chef who is very passionate about the town and local fishing industry which plays a great influence in the local cuisine evidenced by the many restaurants lining the Riverwalk.

Oyster Pond

The Oyster pond was originally used to house local fishermen’s (predominantly shellfish) catches. It acquired its name due to the fishermen storing large amounts of oysters in the pond. It was converted into a boating pond in the late 1870s. There was a very active model yacht club in the town in the 1920s and they would come to the Oyster pond and race their model ships. During the annual Regatta the ferrymen and fishermen would dress up and take part in races across the pond.

Littlehampton Museum                   

The History of Littlehampton Museum

Founded in 1928 by the Littlehampton Natural Science and Archaeology Society, the museum’s first home was at the library, with a Mr E. J Hearne taking charge as the first curator.  Mr Hearne stayed with the museum until 1946 when he was succeeded by George Shorter, a librarian broadening his horizons.  Under Shorters’ care, in 1965, the museum moved to a new location in River Road, in a building once home to the prominent merchant family, the Robinsons. It remained here for 26 years. In 1991 the Museum moved to its current location in Manor House, where it now shares its home with Littlehampton’s Town Council.

In 1998 Littlehampton Museum was successfully awarded a £250,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the money was used to refurbish the galleries and make the museum more enjoyable and accessible for all. 

The History of Manor House

Manor House was built between 1790 and 1830 on the site of Manor Farm.  The earliest part of the building is to the right, where the main entrance is located, with two extensions being added shortly after its construction. The building has been home to many important Littlehampton residents during its time, including the Ollivers, a successful farming come shipbuilding family, and Dr John Candy, the medical man who, in the nineteenth century, was responsible for delivering most of Littlehampton’s townsfolk into this world!  The building was purchased by the council from a Mrs Drummond-Murray in 1932, and opened officially as their offices in 1934.

  

Littlehampton Museum Services

We have an exciting and original temporary exhibition programme showcased in our Hearne room and Lens Room galleries. Here we celebrate local artist’s work as well as putting together commemorative displays regarding our town’s history. We strive to present a diverse and culturally significant programme with something to suit every palette!          

The museum runs an active education service with something for everyone. We cater for all ages and abilities from the under 5’s to the over 60’s.

Throughout the year we host activities for young and old to take part in. During the school holidays the museum comes alive with themed fun and games all centred around celebrating our town’s heritage. We also organize workshops for children and adults focusing on arts and crafts as well as historical topics, get in touch for full details of our events program!

When bringing a group of school children to our museum we recommend that you contact us beforehand on 01903 738100.

At Littlehampton Museum we have a large and varied loan box collection, providing a broad range of objects from a number of eras. Subjects covered include; British History, Roman Life, The Victorians and Britain since the 1930s. All of the topics are tailored to the National Curriculum and are designed to meet Primary School’s needs. In addition to the Key Stage 1 and 2 based collection, we also have a small range of loan boxes designed especially for reception and pre-school children entitled; ‘Sensations’, ‘Outside’ and ‘Wash Day’.

All of our loan boxes are FREE of charge to borrow, and the lending period is on a half-term basis. In addition to our loan boxes, we also have various VHS and DVD films on local topics for loan, such as the River Arun, Lobster fishing and Lifeboats

The Fort and the West Bank

In the mid 1700’s, Littlehampton Redoubt was built to protect the town from any invaders.  The Redoubt had a battery of guns pointing up the river and out to sea – a formidable sight.  A century later, a smaller five gun fort was built on the West bank and, although heavily overgrown, one can still see its outlines.

The sand dunes on the West Bank are designated as a Site of Scientific Interest where wildlife and rare plants can be discovered in their natural habitat. Walk along the uncommercialised beach and enjoy the natural sea-scape - you will find it an uplifting experience!

Our diverse and enchanting destination embraces the well known seaside resorts of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, and the historic town of Arundel, surrounded by timeless villages, unspoiled coastline and the South Downs , an area designated as one of natural outstanding beauty, provides breathtaking views. For nature lovers there are marshes, rolling chalk downland, woodlands, meadows, rivers and wetlands – a haven of habitats for wildlife, rare birds, butterflies and plants.

This scenic and diverse area has been welcoming visitors for almost 1,000 years - since Roger de Montgomery, one of William the Conqueror’s most trusted and powerful barons, built his magnificent castle dominating the Arundel skyline and the quaint mediaeval town below.

700 years later, Sir Richard Hotham created the first purpose-built seaside resort at Bognor, honoured with the royal suffix " Regis" by King George V in 1929. Award-winning beaches, the largest family entertainment centre on the south coast and more sunshine hours that almost any other place in Britain is among its attractions.

Situated on the east bank of the Arun river, sandwiched between Littlehampton’s golden, sandy beaches is Harbour Park, a fantastic amusement park for the whole family. To find out more visit their website here. If you are looking for something different - come to one of our famously unusual summer events – the zany Bognor Birdman; the unique Corpus Christi Carpet of Flowers or the Littlehampton Regatta, for example.  The What’s On in Arun guide has details of all local events.

Contact the Littlehampton Town Council for more information about the town and events on 01903 732063.

Getting to Littlehampton

Getting to Littlehampton couldn’t be easier – it is well connected to the rest of West Sussex by road, rail and boat.

By car:
Littlehampton is located just off the A259 between Worthing and Bognor Regis.
There are a number of car parks located in the town centre offering easy parking.

If visitors are coming from the north of the county, then they would be advised to follow the A24 to Findon before picking up the A280 (Long Furlong).
The A280 will lead onto the A259 which will lead them directly to Littlehampton.

From the west, visitors are advised to follow the A27 to Arundel where they can pick up the A 284 (Lyminster Road). The A284 will lead them directly to the town Centre.

From the east, visitors are recommended to follow the A27 before picking up the A280. The A280 will then lead them to the A259.

There is a coach park situated in Banjo Road near the seafront.

By rail:
Littlehampton train station is located about two minutes stroll from the town centre.

When coming in by train, visitors should turn left out of the main station entrance and walk straight down the road to reach the western end of the High Street.