|  Bognor
is one of the oldest Saxon sites on record in West Sussex
recorded in AD 680 as Bucgan ora, and in 1405 as Bogenor.
The resort of Bognor
Regis was "discovered" by Sir Richard
Hotham, a London Hat seller, in 1785, who found the
charm of the town and the fresh sea air beneficial to
his health.
Many Georgian and Regency buildings can be seen dotted
around the town. Guided walks give a fascinating insight
into the town (contact our Bognor Regis Visitor
Information Centre for information).
 Of
the many interesting sights in Bognor Regis, here are
a few highlights : The Pier, opened
on 4th May 1865, at a cost of £5,000, was 1000ft
long and 18ft wide. A landing stage was built in 1903
for the use of Paddle Steamers which operated along
the coast. During
WW2, it was used as an observation post by the navy,
under the name of H.M.S. Barbara.
The Steyne - This area is subject to a preservation
order and has many fine buildings developed between
1820 and 1840. The William Hardwick public house,
built by its namesake in 1810, is a Grade 2 listed building.
Originally known as the "New Inn", it was
the stopping place for the stagecoaches to London, Portsmouth
and Brighton. Hotham Park House and
Hothampton Crescent, built in 1790s,
are both fine examples of the work of Sir Richard Hotham.
The Ice House, built around 1790 is the best surviving
example of its kind in Sussex. It was used to store
ice, as well as straw and food. It is 28ft deep and
12ft across. The ice was collected from nearby rivers
and lakes and stored for use in the summer. The
Picturedrome, now the local cinema, opened
in 1886 as the Assembly Rooms. In 1910 it was renamed
The "Queens Hall" to commemorate the Coronation
of George V.
Other notable buildings included, The White
Tower (1898), The Royal Norfolk Hotel
(19th century), and Russell Place,
in High Street, all beautiful examples of Regency architecture.
The Bognor Regis Local History Society is a good source
of information to find out more about the town and its
past.
Contact Bognor Regis Visitor
Information Centre for more information.
|
