Historic West Sussex
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about West Sussex from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover West Sussex's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of West Sussex's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Shoreham Airfield dome trainer, 240m south west of Sussex…
Lancing
Dome trainers are dome-shaped buildings housing training apparatus, including a projector, for training ground gunners in the art of airfield defence.
Former Singleton Railway Station
West Dean
Former railway station of 1880, by T H Myres, consisting of the station house, toilet block and a water tower.
Picturedrome
Bognor Regis
The Picturedrome is designated at Grade II, for the following principal reasons: It is an unusual example of an early cinema, derived from an assembly...
Lime kiln
Pulborough
The early-C18 lime kiln on the riverbank behind Waterside House, 17 Lower Street, Pulborough, is listed at Grade II for the following principal...
Former Worthing Library, Museum and Art Gallery
Worthing
Former Worthing library, museum and art gallery, by the architects Crouch, Butler and Savage, the library funded by Andrew Carnegie, opened on 14th...
Roman amphitheatre
Chichester
Amphitheatres were used throughout the Roman period for mass entertainment, public ceremonies and/or military training.
The Fox Goes Free
Singleton
Inn, mainly C17, though thought to have C16 origins, and with additions and alterations of subsequent centuries.
Watch Office (Control Tower), former RAF Tangmere
Tangmere
Watch office (control tower) of 1944 to the former RAF Tangmere airbase. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Hazardous (formerly Le Hazardeux)
Bracklesham Bay, off West Sussex
The warship Hazardous (formerly Le Hazardeux) is a Protected Wreck Site for the following principal reasons: Vulnerability: Component parts of the...
Burpham camp
Burpham
The Iron Age promontory fort at Burpham is an example of an inland fort where the natural defensive qualities of the land were utilised and the site...
The Devil's Jumps round barrow cemetery
Elsted and Treyford
Round barrow cemeteries date to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC).
Former Goods Shed at Singleton Station
West Dean
The former goods shed at Singleton Station is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Rarity: it is the only surviving goods shed...
Phoenix Caisson (outer) off Pagham Harbour
3.56km south-east of Pagham Harbour, West Sussex
The asset comprises a rare type of steel reinforced concrete caisson unit, code-named Phoenix, built as part of the artificial Mulberry Harbours that...
Airport Building, Comprising Control Tower, Administratio…
Lancing
Airport terminal building opened 1936, by the architect, R Stavers Hessell Tiltman.
Chichester Signal Box
Chichester
Signal box, 1882 for the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway on the Brighton and Portsmouth Railway. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Motte and bailey castle in Pulborough Park
Pulborough
Motte castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans.
Devil's Dyke hillfort
Poynings
Large univallate hillforts are defined as fortified enclosures of varying shape, ranging in size between 1ha and 10ha, located on hilltops and...
The Rectory
Albourne
An C18 rectory with earlier origins, C19 additions, and C20 refurbishment. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Bognor Regis and District War Memorial
Bognor Regis
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Assemblage of Second World War Tanks and Bulldozers
Approximately 10km south of Selsey Bill (NGR SZ807208314) at a depth of between 15m and 20m. The vehicles are dispersed throughout an area of around 30m by 25m.
On the night of the 5/6 June 1944, Landing Craft LCT(A) 2428 broke down in the south-eastern approaches to the Solent while on route to the D-Day...
Roman Catholic Church of St Richard
Chichester
Roman Catholic Church built in 1958 to the design of Tomei and Maxwell of London; builder Messrs A Booker and Son of Walberton; stained glass by...
Roman road at Chapel Common
Milland
Roman roads were artificially made-up routes introduced to Britain by the Roman army from c.AD 43.
Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
Bognor Regis
Roman Catholic priory church of 1881 by J S Hansom in Early English Gothic style, with sympathetic additions of 1955-7 by W C Mangan.
Denmans Garden
Aldingbourne
Private garden created between around 1947 and 1985 by Joyce Robinson (1903-1996), a market gardener and self-taught horticulturist, and developed...
Roman road and 18th century coaching road N of Pyecombe c…
Pyecombe
The monument at Welstonbury Hill, near Pyecombe, includes a Roman road and a late 18th century coaching road.
1 and 2, Sessions House
Selsey
Former farmhouse, probably later C17 or early C18, extended and refurbished after 1908, and used as local Magistrates Court during the 1930s, giving...
Martin Down style enclosure, bowl barrow, Iron Age hillfo…
Upper Beeding
Martin Down enclosures (named after a typical example on Martin Down in Dorset), are small, usually sub-rectangular areas often covering less than...
The Vandalian Tower, Up Park
Harting
The use of ornamental towers, such as a belvedere or folly, were a significant element of post-medieval garden design between the 16th and 18th...
Worthing War Memorial
Worthing
First World War memorial, unveiled 1921, with dates and names from later conflicts added.
Manor Road Garage (Including Four Forecourt Petrol Pumps)
East Preston
Former motor garage. The central part of the workshop probably dates from 1919 extended in 1930 to the north by the firm of Boulton and Paul.
Town Hall
Horsham
Former town hall, c1812, rebuilt except for the north facade in 1888-9. Minor later alterations. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St Swithun
East Grinstead
Rebuilt from 1789 by James Wyatt. Tower completed 1812 to the 1811 designs of J T Groves, executed after Groves's death by H W and W Inwood.
Romano-British villa at Randolph's Farm
Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common
Romano-British villas were extensive rural estates at the focus of which were groups of domestic, agricultural and occasionally industrial buildings.
Romano-British villa at Manor Hall Road, Southwick
Southwick
Romano-British villas were extensive rural estates at the focus of which were groups of domestic, agricultural and occasionally industrial buildings.
Church of Holy Trinity, Duncton
Duncton
Holy Trinity Duncton, a church built by James Castle for Lord Leconfield in 1865-1866. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Chichester Castle
Chichester
Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans.
Historic West Sussex through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of West Sussex
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Crawley
The Beehive terminal building at Gatwick Airport, Crawley, 1937
Crawley
The railway station near The Beehive (Gatwick Airport South), Crawley, 1953
Horsted Keynes
Treemans, Horsted Keynes, 1949
Horsted Keynes
Treemans and surrounding countryside, Horsted Keynes, 1949
Chichester
Chichester Cathedral and the city centre, Chichester, 1938
Chichester
The Wingard (M.A.) Ltd Factory, Chichester, 1948
Horsham
Christ's Hospital, Horsham, 1928
Southwater
Christ's Hospital, Southwater, 1951
Fernhurst
Plant Protection Ltd Fernhurst Research Station at Verdley Place and environs, Fernhurst, 1951
Fernhurst
Plant Protection Ltd Fernhurst Research Station at Verdley Place and environs, Fernhurst, 1951
Historic England Archive images of West Sussex
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of West Sussex's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the east of the Market Cross, with the spire of Chichester Cathedral in the background
Eric de Mare
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1961 - 1980
Exterior view of the Chapel at Bishop Otter Teacher Training School in Chichester showing a glass gable.
John Gay Collection: London
Richmond Park, Kingston Upon Thames, Greater London Authority
Date created: Jan 1962 - May 1964
A herd of deer lie on the grass in the shade at Richmond Park.
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1950 - 1960
A view from an elevated position of a large group of people dancing on the lawn in front of the south facade of Bishops Palace, Chichester, with the...
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
West Sussex
Date created: 1950 - 1960
Portrait of a man wearing a carnation in his buttonhole standing in a glasshouse. Likely to be a member of the Allwood family of carnation growers.
John Gay Collection: Counties
West Sussex
Date created: 1950s - 1960s
The gnarled trunks of a group of trees
John Laing Collection
Worthing, West Sussex
Date created: 18 Jul 1996
An interior view of Durrington High School showing the main reception desk
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
West Worthing, Worthing, Worthing, West Sussex
Date created: 1910 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Chichester, West Sussex
Date created: 1950 - 1960
A view looking down onto a presentation during a fete held at Bishops Palace, Chichester, with onlookers seated and standing in a semi-circle on the...
John Laing Collection
Worthing, West Sussex
Date created: 18 Jul 1996
A view along a corridor with a mezzanine level and rooflights at Durrington High School
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
West Worthing, Worthing, Worthing, West Sussex
Date created: 1910 - 1917
GENERAL VIEW
Stories about heritage in West Sussex
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about West Sussex.
The History of Brick Building in England
Mentions Ouse Valley Railway Viaduct the Ouse Valley Railway Viaduct
Discover 7 examples of how brick building in England has changed over the centuries.
Empress Matilda and ‘The Anarchy’
Mentions Arundel Castle
A look at the career of 12th century claimant to the English throne the Empress Matilda.
An Introduction to Quaker Meeting Houses
Mentions Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House and Guest House
The earliest Quaker meeting houses were distinctive for their simple, functional design; built by local craftsmen, they sit modestly in the landscape.
10 Brilliant Historic Bookshops
Mentions The Former Church of St Olave
We love any excuse to celebrate a bookshop, with their comforting atmosphere and wonderful smell. Here are some highlights from around the country.
Where the Heart is: 5 Landmark LGBTQ+ Homes
Mentions Chantry House
Before 1967, homosexuality was illegal. The privacy of the home provided safety and security for many LGBTQ people.
7 International Architects who Helped Shape England
Mentions Sea Lane House
Architects from around the world have contributed to England’s built environment.
8 Cutting-Edge Libraries of the Late 20th Century
Mentions West Sussex Library
Discover some of England’s listed modern libraries
Heritage at Risk in the South East Revealed
Mentions Buncton Chapel of All Saints, West Sussex
25 sites have been saved and 15 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the South East of England.
Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2021
Mentions Blake's Cottage, West Sussex
Historic England publishes its annual Heritage at Risk Register, the yearly health-check of England’s most valued historic places.
Unusual Second World War Sites Listed and Upgraded to Mark the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
Mentions The former Spitfire Club, RAF Tangmere, RAF Tangmere: Barrack Block (Building 116) to the Former RAF Airbase, Watch Office (Control Tower), former RAF Tangmere
Four new listings are highlighted alongside three other sites either upgraded or re-listed which show how the Battle has left its mark across England.
The Best of England’s Post-War Parks, Gardens and Landscapes Protected
Mentions Denmans Garden, West Sussex
Newly announced protections by Historic England are the result of a three-year collaboration with The Gardens Trust.
Liverpool Philharmonic Pub Becomes Grade I Listed
Mentions The Blue Ship, West Sussex
News of listing upgrades to historic public houses, ranging from an opulent Victorian example in Liverpool to quaint west country village pubs.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Yeoman's House, Bignor, West Sussex
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The Yeoman's House dates is a 15th-century thatched and timber-framed cottage with jettied overhangs.
Yeoman's House, Bignor, West Sussex
Worth Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Exterior of the principal entrance front of Worth Park in Crawley, West Sussex, viewed from the north east
Worth Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Worth Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Interior of the kitchen looking towards the chimney
Windmill, Climping, East Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
Climping smock mill was built in 1799 to replace an earlier mill. It ceased working in about 1900.
Windmill, Climping, East Sussex
Windmill, Birdham, West Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
This small smock mill was constructed alongside a chicken run and was only one year old when this picture was taken in 1936.
Windmill, Birdham, West Sussex
West Ashling Mill, Funtington, West Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
Also known as Hackett's Mill.
West Ashling Mill, Funtington, West Sussex
Waterloo Square Gardens, Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
General view showing the drinking fountain.
Waterloo Square Gardens, Bognor Regis, West Sussex
War Memorial, Beach Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
This memorial commemorates the 1914-18 war and includes a plaque for the 1939-45 war. It is topped by a cross with a sword on it.
War Memorial, Beach Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex
