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

As with many seaside towns, it has seen its shared 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.

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 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 3^rd Assault Unit was based at the Marine Pub in Littlehampton and these men were the basis for Ian Fleming’s James Bond. 

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 apt.

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, whose lifeboat service has been in operation since 1884.

In coming years, the town is going to begin a programme of regeneration, guided by the 2020 Vision.  This exciting programme will bring more leisure, business and residential property into the town, redeveloping underused areas and changing the face of the town forever.  Work is already underway on the Vision, and elements of it can be seen around the town today.