Hubbry Logo
AngmeringAngmeringMain
Open search
Angmering
Community hub
Angmering
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Angmering
Angmering
Angmering
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Angmering (/ˈæŋmərɪŋ/) is a village and civil parish between Littlehampton and Worthing in West Sussex on the southern edge of the South Downs National Park, England. About two-thirds of the parish (mostly north of the A27 road) falls within the park.

Key Information

It is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the English Channel, and Worthing and Littlehampton are 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the east and west respectively. It has been inhabited since the Bronze Age (visible remains of an ancient hill fort can be seen on nearby Highdown Hill) and there are the remains of a Roman Villa and bath house.

In 1976, Angmering was twinned with the Normandy town of Ouistreham on the "Riva-Bella", the location of the World War II Normandy landings' Sword Beach.[3]

Angmering railway station is 3⁄4 mile from the village centre, straddling the boundaries of Angmering and East Preston.

Etymology

[edit]

The name Angmering probably derives from a Saxon farming settlement of about 600AD. It is thought that the original name was Angenmaering, meaning Angenmaer's people.[4]

Various name changes took place over the centuries and these included Angemeringatun, Angmerengatum, Angemaeringum, Angemeringe, Aingmarying, Angmarrying, Angemare and Ameringe. Towards the end of the 9th century Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, bequeathed to his kinsman Osferthe ‘... Angmerengatum and the land that thereto longyth’.[5]

History

[edit]

A large Roman villa was discovered nearby and part-excavated in the 1930s. The excavation was mainly centred on a large bath house complex comprising at least eight rooms. It may have been occupied by an important Roman citizen or a member of the Romano-British aristocracy, like the palace at Fishbourne, and dates from the same period of 65–75AD.[6]

Demography

[edit]

With the recent development of the Bramley Green site, an influx of new residents has brought Angmering's electoral ward's resident population at the 2011 census to 7,788.[7] In 2001 the population was 5,639, illustrating the 38.1 per cent increase in the village's population over the previous decade or so.[8] By 2023, the population had grown to about 10,100.

Ethnicity

[edit]

According to the Office for National Statistics based on the 2011 census 97.6 per cent of the 7,788 population of Angmering were white with 94.3 per cent being white British, 0.7 per cent white Irish and 2.6 per cent identifying as white Other. 2.4 percent of Angmering's residents are from a black or minority ethnic background.[7]

Religion

[edit]

According to the 2011 census, the largest religious grouping is Christians (66 per cent), followed by those of no religion (25.2 per cent). Angmering has a 12th-century Anglican church, St Margaret's (re-built by Samuel Sanders Teulon in 1852 and reordered in 2009), a small Catholic congregation centred on St Wilfred's Catholic Primary School, and a Baptist church.

Geography

[edit]

The parish is about seven miles (11 km) long (from north to south) and two miles (3.2 km) wide. Its roots stretch back to the Bronze Age and it is also the site of a substantial Roman villa.

The village has three schools, several small shops, a post office and many historic houses from the 15th century onwards. It is in a semi-rural area with many farms. It has had various housing developments in the area. Previously it was the most populous area of its old parliamentary constituency, however that has since changed in accordance with the boundary review in 2023 that lead to the Angmering and Findon ward being given to the Worthing West constituency. Angmering is in a unique position of being a part of the Worthing West constituency, but falling under Arun District Council; most of the constituency falls under Adur and Worthing Council.

Sport

[edit]

Angmering is home to Worthing Rugby Football Club, a national level professional rugby club which occupies extensive grounds in the east of the village. Angmering Football Club play their home games at the Recreation Field in Decoy Drive. They play in the West Sussex Football League. The team have had recent success in the Chichester Charity Cup, winning the cup in the 23/24 season. The team is currently managed by George Sayers. [citation needed]

Notable inhabitants

[edit]

Childhood home of Abbess Katherine Palmer (d. 1576) and Thomas Palmer (d 22 August 1553) soldier and courtier executed for his support of Lady Jane Grey in the succession crisis of 1553.[9][10]

The village was the birthplace of Tom Oliver, who, after adding an l to his name to become Olliver, became the winning rider of the 1842, 1843 and 1853 Grand Nationals. Impresario Lord Bernard Delfont and record producer Norman Newell have lived in Angmering. The actor and singer Stanley Holloway lived in the parish of East Preston (Angmering-on-Sea) with his wife before his death in 1982.[11]

Portrait artist Juliet Pannett (1911–2005) and her family lived in Angmering from the mid-1960s until 2004.[12]

Twinning

[edit]

Since 1976, Angmering has been twinned with the coastal French town of Ouistreham in the Calvados department of Normandy.

Notes

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
  • Holloway, Stanley; Richards, Dick (1967). Wiv a little bit o' luck: The life story of Stanley Holloway. London: Frewin. p. 112. OCLC 3647363.
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Angmering

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Angmering is a village and in the of , , situated between the towns of and on the southern edge of the . As of the 2021 United Kingdom census, the parish had a population of 8,864 residents. Known for its linear layout along the and its proximity to the coast, Angmering serves as a commuter settlement with a mix of historic charm and modern residential expansion. The area's history dates back to the period, with evidence of flint mining on nearby Harrow Hill used for tools and weapons. Roman settlements, including a near the western boundary, indicate early occupation, followed by Saxon origins possibly deriving from the name "Angenmaer." Recorded in the of 1086 as comprising Norman manors, Angmering was granted status in 1384, reflecting its medieval importance. The parish was formed in the by the merger of East, West, and Barpham parishes. By the , the arrival of the railway in 1846 spurred growth, transforming it from a small agricultural community. Today, Angmering is governed by the Angmering Parish Council and features a designated Conservation Area preserving medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and , including the late-12th-century St Margaret's Church and early-18th-century Longback Cottages. The village offers community amenities such as primary schools, sports facilities, and local shops, while facing infrastructure challenges from rapid increases exceeding 10,000 in recent estimates due to developments. Its location provides easy access to coastal beaches and the national park's trails, making it a desirable residential area in .

History

Etymology

The name Angmering originates from , deriving from the form Angenmæringas, meaning "the people or dwellers of Angenmær," where Angenmær is a compounded from elements possibly including angen (related to narrow or troubled) and mǣr (meaning famous or boundary), with the suffix denoting a group or descendants associated with that individual. This linguistic structure reflects typical Anglo-Saxon naming conventions for settlements, indicating a tribal or familial group tied to a prominent figure, likely from a Saxon farming established in the region by the early medieval period. The Angenmær appears uniquely in this context, underscoring its rarity beyond records. The earliest recorded form of the name is Angemaeringtun (the estate associated with Angenmær's people), appearing in a dated between 880 and 885 AD, preserved in the Codex Diplomaticus Aevi Saxonici, which likely relates to King Alfred the Great's bequest of the manor to his kinsman as detailed in Alfred's will. By the , the name had evolved to Angemeringe in the of 1086, marking its adaptation into forms and the gradual loss of the -tun element (meaning enclosure or settlement). Subsequent variants include Angmaring (1202), Aungmeryng (1279), and Angmeryng (1327), reflecting phonetic shifts and simplifications over time, such as the assimilation of vowels and the influence of Norman scribes, until stabilizing as modern "Angmering" by the 17th century. This evolution aligns with broader patterns of Saxon settlement in , where many place names incorporate personal names followed by -ingas to signify communal lands amid the post-Roman reorganization of the . The connection to Alfred's 9th-century will highlights the manor's early significance, as he explicitly granted "Angmerengatum" (a variant of the tun form) to alongside other estates, affirming its status within Wessex's territorial framework.

Ancient and Roman History

Archaeological evidence indicates prehistoric human activity in the Angmering area dating back to the period, primarily centered on flint at Harrow Hill, approximately 3 miles north of the village. The site features around 245 shafts and associated spoil heaps, with the largest shaft measuring 19.5 meters in diameter and 1.8 meters deep, from which roughly 350 tonnes of chalk were removed to extract high-quality flint nodules more valued than surface deposits. These mines, active around 4000–2000 BC, represent one of Britain's earliest industrial landscapes and supplied tools for and across . Overlying the Neolithic flint mines on Harrow Hill is a sub-rectangular univallate attributed to the Late to Early , circa 1200–400 BC, measuring 70 meters by 60 meters. Excavations have uncovered sherds, animal bones including skulls, and other remains suggesting or ceremonial use rather than sustained settlement, highlighting a continuity of activity on the hilltop into the . The most significant Roman-era discovery in Angmering is a partially excavated complex located in a between Angmering and the nearby village of Poling, about 500 meters west-southwest of New Barn and roughly 1 kilometer southwest of Angmering's village center. First noted in and systematically excavated between 1936 and 1946, with further work in the 1940s, the site revealed a main domestic range aligned north-northwest to south-southeast, measuring 46 meters by 21 meters, alongside subsidiary timber and masonry buildings for agricultural and industrial purposes. The was established in the mid-1st century AD, with construction dated to approximately 65–75 AD, shortly after the Claudian invasion of 43 AD, reflecting rapid in . Key features include a detached bathhouse built around AD 65–80, equipped with mosaic floors in geometric patterns unusual for early Roman Britain, opus signinum flooring, and imported Italian and Sussex marble fittings, indicating sophisticated engineering and luxury. Additional structures comprise a second smaller bathhouse (35 feet by 15 feet), a possible temple or with walls up to 2.2 meters thick, and outbuildings including a corn-drying . Artifacts recovered include Samian and coarse , coins, a metal lock, and silver , jewelry such as a 'Swarling' , a rotary quern fragment, and animal bones, alongside traces of and ditches suggesting pre-Roman occupation. These elements point to occupation by a high-status Romano-British , possibly an aristocrat or Roman official, with the villa's scale and amenities comparable to the nearby palatial complex at Fishbourne, though on a more modest estate centered on arable farming and local industry. The bathhouse underwent phases of expansion, including added wing rooms and a in the AD, before partial and for industrial use by the late 3rd century, with no evidence of 4th-century occupation. This abandonment aligns with broader patterns of villa decline in southern Britain during the late Roman period, marking a transition to the post-Roman era around the 4th century AD as Roman administrative control waned. Traces of earlier activity, including boundary ditches and pits with pottery and bones, underlie the Roman structures, underscoring the site's long history of settlement continuity.

Medieval History

Following the withdrawal of Roman administration in the early , Angmering saw the establishment of Saxon settlements, evidenced by archaeological finds including a pre-Conquest church structure uncovered in the parish during excavations. The place-name Angmering derives from an term, likely Angenmǣringas, meaning "the people or dwellers of Angenmær," referring to a Saxon or prominent figure, pointing to a farming community that emerged around the as part of the Kingdom of the South Saxons. In 681, King Æðelwealh and Queen Eaba granted Bishop lands comprising 87 hides across the South Saxon province, including areas near Angmering, to support the new diocese of and facilitate early ; this royal endowment laid the foundation for influence in the region, though no specific names Angmering directly. Remnants of a in the vicinity may have influenced these early Saxon patterns of and settlement continuity. The brought significant changes to Angmering's feudal structure, as recorded in the of 1086, which described it as a prosperous manor in the hundred of Risberg, , held by Earl Roger of with Warin fitzGerold as under-tenant. The entry notes 20 households—comprising 6 villagers, 2 cottagers, and others—along with 2 ploughlands (1 in lordship and 1 by men), 3 acres of meadow, and woodland supporting 3 swine, yielding an annual value of £5 to the lord, up from £4 in 1066; prior to the Conquest, it had been held by three free men. This portrayal underscores Angmering's role as an arable-focused estate amid the post-Conquest redistribution of lands, with the manor's resources supporting a stable rural economy under Norman oversight. By the late , St. Margaret's Church was established as the principal place of worship in West Angmering, dedicated to St. Margaret of Antioch, with its core structure dating to this period and featuring early Gothic elements; the church served a growing that encompassed multiple medieval chapels, reflecting the consolidation of spiritual and communal life. Angmering developed as an agricultural hub in the 13th and 14th centuries, benefiting from the fertile soils of the coastal plain, which supported mixed farming of crops and livestock. In 1384, King Richard II granted a charter to Richard, Earl of Arundel, lord of the manor, authorizing a weekly Saturday market and an annual fair in the village, elevating its status as a local trading center and fostering economic ties with nearby estates. Prosperity peaked in the 14th and 15th centuries through expanded farming and participation in the regional wool trade, a key driver of Sussex's medieval economy, where manorial demesnes like those in Angmering produced wool for export via ports such as Arundel. However, the Black Death of 1348–49 devastated the area, causing significant population loss—estimated at 30–50% across rural Sussex—and labor shortages that disrupted agrarian output, leading to manor decay, abandoned holdings, and a shift toward less intensive pastoral farming by the late 15th century.

Modern History

In the 16th century, Angmering underwent significant agricultural changes through land enclosures, exemplified by Sir Thomas Palmer's enclosure of the commons at Ecclesden, which consolidated farmland and reduced common access for villagers. The Palmer family, who had settled in Angmering since the early 14th century, emerged as the most influential local landowners by the 16th century, possessing two manors and driving these shifts toward more privatized farming practices that persisted into the 18th century. These enclosures marked a transition from open-field systems to enclosed agriculture, enhancing productivity but altering traditional rural social structures. The arrival of in 1846 transformed Angmering from a predominantly rural into a burgeoning commuter village. The opening of Angmering station on March 16, 1846, along the West Coastway Line, facilitated easier access to nearby urban centers like and , spurring residential growth and economic connections. This infrastructure development encouraged influxes of residents seeking suburban living, laying the groundwork for further expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Post-World War II, Angmering experienced accelerated through housing developments aimed at addressing wartime shortages and population pressures. Council housing initiatives, beginning around 1936 but intensifying after 1945, included new estates along Arundel Road and Palmer Road, rehousing families and increasing the village's residential footprint. In 2010, parts of Angmering were incorporated into the newly designated , which emphasized landscape conservation amid ongoing development. The Angmering Neighbourhood Plan (2014–2029), adopted following community consultation, balances housing allocation—targeting affordable one- and two-bedroom units—with environmental safeguards, such as protecting green spaces and enhancing . In the , Angmering has faced challenges from rapid , which has strained and heightened flood vulnerabilities in low-lying areas. Arun District Council's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment identifies and fluvial flooding risks, prompting initiatives like the Black Ditch catchment management project to mitigate impacts through sustainable drainage. Preservation efforts focus on historic sites, including the Grade I-listed St Margaret's Church, a 12th-century structure central to village identity, and pubs like The Lamb (dating to 1780), supported by neighbourhood policies to conserve heritage amid modern pressures.

Geography

Location and Boundaries

Angmering is a located in the of , . Its central coordinates are given by the grid reference TQ068043. The parish lies approximately 1.5 miles north of the , positioning it close to the southern coastline of the county. The covers an area of 17.82 square kilometers. Its boundaries are defined administratively, with roughly two-thirds of the land lying north of the and forming part of the , while the southern portion extends toward the coastal plain. To the south, it adjoins the urban area of , and to the east, it borders regions leading toward , including adjacent parishes such as Rustington and East Preston. The village center is centered around The Square, a historic and communal hub, with nearby settlements like East Preston and Rustington contributing to the local character. Administratively, Angmering was historically part of the hundred of Poling within the rape of . In modern terms, following boundary changes implemented for the 2024 , the parish falls within the Worthing West parliamentary constituency.

Physical Features

Angmering's terrain is characterized by rolling chalk downs in the north, giving way to a gently undulating in the south, forming a transitional landscape within the . This undulating topography includes dry valleys, ridges, and enclosed wooded escarpments, with elevations ranging from along the to around 150 on the northern downs. The underlying geology features chalk bedrock, which dominates the areas and supports thin rendzina soils on steeper slopes, while superficial deposits such as head gravels and aeolian overlie the chalk in lower sections, creating fertile, well-drained soils historically suited to arable . These -capped chalk soils enhance soil productivity in the transition zones, contributing to the area's agricultural heritage. Hydrologically, the parish is traversed by the Angmering Stream, locally known as the Black Ditch, a narrow watercourse that drains into the River Arun catchment to the west. Low-lying areas along this stream, particularly around River Road, are prone to fluvial flooding during heavy rainfall, with management responsibilities held by the through flood warning systems and alleviation schemes. Biodiversity in Angmering is supported by a mosaic of habitats, including ancient and mixed woodlands in areas like , which provide connectivity for and host Sites of Importance (SNCIs). Chalk grasslands on the downs within the parish are species-rich, sustaining up to 40 plant species per square meter, including rare s like autumn lady's-tresses and early spider , as well as protected invertebrates such as the and butterflies. These habitats are conserved under the designation to maintain ecological resilience against habitat fragmentation.

Society

Demography

Angmering's population has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by suburban expansion and in-migration. The recorded 5,639 residents in the parish, rising to 7,614 by and reaching 8,864 in the 2021 census. This reflects an overall increase of about 57% since , with an annual growth rate of 1.5% between and 2021. Local estimates suggest the approached 10,100 by 2023, continuing the upward trend amid ongoing housing developments. The population density stood at 497 inhabitants per square kilometer in 2021, across an area of 17.83 square kilometers. The age structure that year showed 20.3% of residents under 18 years old and 24.2% over 65, indicating a mature community with a notable proportion of retirees alongside families. Household data from the 2021 reveals 3,369 households in the , with an average size of 2.6 persons. Ownership is predominant, with 82% of dwellings owner-occupied, and detached houses forming a high share of the housing stock, underscoring the area's appeal for long-term residents. This demographic expansion has been influenced by migration patterns, including an influx of commuters from and , attracted by rail connections and the village's proximity to the . This trend, evident since the , has contributed to Angmering's transformation into a commuter while maintaining relative stability in earlier historical periods.

Ethnicity and Religion

According to the , the ethnic composition of Angmering remains predominantly , with 96.3% of residents identifying as such. Other ethnic groups include 1.9% Mixed or multiple ethnic groups, 1.3% Asian or Asian British, 0.4% Black, Black British, Caribbean or African, and 0.3% other ethnic groups, reflecting a slight increase in diversity compared to when 97.6% identified as . In terms of , 57.3% of Angmering's identified as Christian in 2021, a decline from 66% in 2011, while 43.5% reported no , up from 25.2%. Adherents of other faiths accounted for 0.4%, with notably low representation of at 0.6% and at 0.3%. The community is overwhelmingly English-speaking, with 98.5% of residents having English as their main language, alongside small Polish and Romanian-speaking communities that contribute to the area's minor . Overall has driven these modest increases in ethnic and linguistic variety. Trends indicate that the aging demographic correlates with higher rates of no- identification, particularly among younger residents.

Governance and Economy

Local Governance

Angmering is administered at the parish level by the Angmering Council, an elected body comprising 13 voluntary members who serve four-year terms. The council is responsible for delivering a range of community services, including the management of allotments at Honey Lane, which are reserved for local residents. It also plays a central role in guiding local development through the Angmering Neighbourhood Plan 2014–2029, a community-led framework adopted in 2015 that promotes sustainable growth while protecting the 's character. As of 2025, a review of the plan is currently on hold due to the impacts of the and the status of the Arun Local Plan. The Neighbourhood Plan allocates sites for at least 100 new dwellings over the plan period, building on Council's strategic requirement of over 600 homes for the , to address local needs without exceeding capacity. Key policies emphasize high-quality, low-to-medium on brownfield sites where possible, alongside the conservation of green spaces such as parks, playing fields, and Assets of Community Value to maintain and recreational access. Developments must also adhere to regulations, given that about 60% of the falls within the park's boundaries, requiring assessments to preserve landscape views and setting. At higher tiers, Angmering forms part of Council, where Conservatives hold the largest number of seats and provide leadership following the 2023 elections, focusing on district-wide planning and services. The parish is also within County Council, which operates under Conservative control and oversees broader functions like education and highways. In , Angmering is represented in the Arundel and South Downs constituency by , a Conservative elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2024. Parish council elections occur every four years, with the most recent in 2023, fostering ongoing through initiatives such as the and Pledge, which commits to respectful interactions among councillors, staff, and residents, and public consultations on planning matters.

Economy

Angmering's local economy is predominantly commuter-oriented, with residents largely employed in , managerial, and service-based roles rather than local or . According to 2021 Census data, the largest employment sectors by occupation include occupations at 19.92%, managers, directors, and senior officials at 16.04%, and associate and technical occupations at 13.8%, reflecting a strong emphasis on and knowledge-based work. Retail, healthcare, and administrative roles are also significant, comprising around 9.94% each in administrative and secretarial as well as caring, leisure, and other services occupations, while and skilled trades account for 11.69%. remains minimal, with only 4.71% in process plant and machine operatives, underscoring the area's shift away from industrial activities. The unemployment rate in Angmering was 3.62% in 2021, lower than the national average of approximately 4.5% during that period. Overall, 53.84% of aged 16 and over were in , with 68.26% of those working full-time and 31.74% part-time. Median household income stands higher than the average at around £46,700 annually, bolstered by the village's proximity to and coastal employment opportunities in the South East. Historically, Angmering's economy centered on and production during the medieval period, with of , , sheep, cows, and pigs supporting self-sufficient smallholdings and common fields; and spinning were common activities contributing to the broader English wool trade. By the 17th and 18th centuries, enclosures consolidated land into larger leasehold farms, shifting toward commercial under major landowners like the Bishopp and Miles families, with rents rising significantly by the early . This agricultural base persisted into the but has largely transitioned to services, with key contemporary employers including local retail shops, linked to the nearby , and the Angmering Park Estate's ongoing farming and estate management operations. Challenges in Angmering's economy include heavy reliance on , with many workers traveling to nearby centers like and for employment, limiting local job creation. Population growth has also intensified housing affordability pressures, with rising demand outpacing supply in this desirable commuter village.

Infrastructure

Education

Angmering is served by two primary schools catering to children aged 4 to 11. St Margaret's Church of England Primary School, located in the village, is rated "Good" by following its 2022 inspection and enrolls approximately 415 pupils. Georgian Gardens Community Primary School, situated in the adjacent Rustington area but drawing from Angmering's catchment, also holds a "Good" rating from its 2022 inspection and serves around 410 pupils. The needs of Angmering residents are primarily met by The Angmering School, a coeducational community school for ages 11 to 16 (with a extending to 19), which enrolls 1,345 pupils (as of 2024). Rated "Good" across all categories in its October 2022 inspection, the school emphasizes STEM subjects through specialized curricula and facilities, alongside strong programs in sports to foster pupil development. In 2023 results, 57.3% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths, reflecting ongoing improvements in attainment, while the school's Progress 8 score of -0.33 indicates performance slightly below the national average of 0. Approximately 90% of leavers stay in education or progress to apprenticeships or employment, with around 58% entering higher education or training, supported by guidance on further study options. Educational facilities in Angmering extend beyond schools to include the Angmering Library, housed in a historic former school building on Church Hill, which provides resources for independent study, reading programs, and community learning events. Adult education opportunities are available through Arun District Council's skills and training initiatives, offering courses in vocational skills, digital literacy, and personal development accessible to local residents. Additionally, the proximity to the South Downs National Park enables participation in environmental education programs, such as school visits and workshops on conservation and nature, coordinated by the South Downs National Park Authority to enhance curriculum-based learning. The youth population in Angmering, comprising a notable proportion of families with school-age children, contributes to the sustained demand and sizing of these educational institutions.

Transport

Angmering railway station, opened on 16 March 1846 by the London, and South Coast Railway, lies on the West Coastway Line between and . The station offers hourly Southern services to London Victoria, with typical journey times of around 90 minutes, and to , supporting regional connectivity. The introduction of the railway in the mid-19th century enabled greater population mobility and facilitated the export of local agricultural produce, such as and flowers, contributing to the village's subsequent development. The A27 trunk road provides the main east-west link, bypassing Angmering to the north following the completion of the Lyminster Bypass in 1991, which alleviated traffic through the village. Complementing this, the A259 serves as the coastal route along the southern edge of the , with a £29.5 million improvement scheme—including extensions and junction upgrades—fully opened in July 2023 to enhance capacity and safety. In May 2025, the A284 Lyminster Bypass (North) opened, providing improved north-south access from the A27 to and coastal areas including Angmering. Local includes the 700 Coastliner service, which operates frequently between , Angmering, , and beyond, offering reliable bus connections along the coast. Cycling and walking infrastructure supports active travel, with National Cycle Route 2—the South Coast Cycle Route—passing nearby through and linking to coastal paths. The parish also features extensive footpaths within the adjacent , providing access to scenic trails like the for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the 2021 Census for , approximately 84% of households have access to at least one car or van, reflecting high private vehicle usage alongside these alternatives. Future enhancements under the West Sussex Transport Plan 2022-2036 emphasize sustainable travel, including infrastructure upgrades to promote walking, cycling, and public transport integration. The county has allocated funding for initiatives, with receiving part of a £16.2 million national grant in to expand zero-emission services, potentially benefiting routes like the through Angmering.

Community and Culture

Sport

Angmering boasts a vibrant sports scene, with local clubs fostering community engagement through competitive and recreational activities. Football and rugby dominate organized team sports, supported by dedicated facilities at the village's recreation grounds. The proximity to the also encourages outdoor pursuits like , enhancing overall physical activity among residents. Angmering Football Club, established in 1970, fields teams in the () Football League, competing in the Premier Division as of the 2025/26 season, following their win of Division 1 South in 2024/25. The club plays its home matches at the Palmer Road Recreation Ground on Decoy Drive and achieved success by winning the Charity Cup in the 2023/24 season, defeating Brockham in the final, and the Division 1 South title in 2024/25. Rugby is represented by Rugby Football Club, based at on Roundstone Lane since relocating to Angmering. The senior team, known as the Worthing Raiders, competes in , having been relegated from at the end of the 2024/25 season. The club serves as a designated Centre of Excellence for Rugby, offering programs for players of all ages. Key facilities include the Angmering Sports & Recreation Association (ASRA) at Decoy Drive, which provides grass pitches for football and an outfield for , alongside a . Angmering Cricket Club, a friendly Sunday-side outfit, plays its matches at the Palmer Road Recreation Ground, promoting inclusive participation. The ongoing Angmering Sports Hub project at the site aims to expand offerings with a all-weather pitch, additional grass pitches, changing rooms, and community spaces to further support local sports. Plans for the project were resubmitted in October 2025. Community involvement in sports is strong, with clubs like ASRA and the team emphasizing accessibility for all ages. School sports programs at The Angmering School feed into these local clubs, helping to nurture talent. Angmering's location adjacent to the facilitates outdoor activities such as hiking along trails like the , drawing residents for recreational exercise.

Twinning and Community Events

Angmering has maintained a twinning partnership with Ouistreham-Riva Bella, a coastal town in , , since 1976, aimed at promoting cultural exchange and friendship between the two communities. The Angmering Twinning Association, established in the same year, organizes annual exchanges, social events, and trips to to strengthen these ties. Joint activities often include commemorations of D-Day landings, reflecting Ouistreham's historical significance as the location of during the 1944 Allied invasion of . The partnership remained active in 2025, with planned visits for the 49th anniversary. Local community events in Angmering emphasize seasonal celebrations and village traditions. The annual Angmering Village Fete, held in summer, features stalls, live music, and family-friendly activities to bring residents together. The Christmas lights switch-on event, typically in late November or early December, includes entertainment, stalls, and a ceremonial illumination of village decorations, fostering holiday spirit. Residents also participate in regional South Downs folk festivals, which highlight traditional music, dance, and crafts in the surrounding area. Community groups play a key role in promoting local engagement and heritage. The Angmering Village Life magazine, a , delivers monthly updates on village , events, and resident contributions to keep the population informed. The Angmering Society, a registered charity, focuses on heritage, conservation, and environmental topics through public lectures, outings, and newsletters. The Angmering Parish Council issues regular newsletters that highlight initiatives, including guided heritage walks such as the Copse Walk, , and Woodland Walk, which explore the village's historical and natural sites. These twinning efforts and events introduce French cultural elements, such as shared historical commemorations.

Notable Inhabitants

Historical Figures

One prominent in Angmering's medieval and early modern was the Palmers, who held significant manorial lands and exemplified the social through their roles as lords and local influencers. Records indicate that by the early , the Palmers controlled key estates such as West Angmering manor, with John Palmer (c. 1498–1563) serving as sheriff of in 1533/4 and 1543/4, overseeing tenant relations and land exchanges that shaped the village's agrarian structure. Churchwardens, elected from substantial parishioners since the 13th century, further illustrated this ; for instance, in the late , figures like Edward Young and William Strong (1593) and Thomas Gratwicke (1594) managed church repairs and poor relief, often as gentry or yeomen tied to manorial oversight. Katherine Palmer (d. 1576), possibly a daughter of the Angmering Palmer lineage, is noted for her leadership as of , a Bridgettine community originally suppressed under . After the nuns' return to under Mary I, she guided the order into exile in the following Elizabeth I's accession in 1558, preserving its traditions amid Protestant reforms; she died in from shock after a Lutheran mob ransacked their refuge in November 1576. Sir Thomas Palmer (c. 1495–1553), a member of the influential Angmering Palmer family and gentleman of the to , played a key role in Tudor court politics before his execution. Accused of for supporting Lady Jane Grey's claim to the throne during the 1553 succession crisis after Edward VI's death, he was beheaded on on 22 August 1553 alongside the and Sir John Gates, marking the swift consolidation of Mary I's rule. Tom Olliver (1812–1874), born in Angmering as one of 16 children in a local family, rose to fame as a pioneering steeplechase jockey despite humble origins. Working initially at his uncle's stables, he secured three victories—at in 1842 on , 1843 on Peter Simple, and 1850 on Abd-el-Kader—establishing records for endurance in the emerging sport before transitioning to training; he later resided in the village, contributing to its equestrian heritage.

Modern Notables

Angmering has attracted prominent figures in the arts and entertainment world, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century, serving as a serene retreat for those connected to London's creative scene. Bernard Delfont (1909–1994), born Boris Winogradsky in Tokmak, Russia, emerged as a leading impresario and showbusiness magnate after immigrating to England in 1913. Starting as a dancer at age 12 and later managing music-hall acts, he built an empire that included producing hit shows like Funny Girl on Broadway and London productions such as Stop the World – I Want to Get Off. Delfont founded the Talk of the Town nightclub in the 1950s, presented the Royal Variety Performance for 21 years, and held key executive roles, including chairman of EMI Film and Theatre Corporation from 1969 to 1980 and founder of First Leisure Corporation in 1983. Elevated to the peerage as Baron Delfont of Stepney in 1976, he died of a heart attack at his home in Angmering on 28 July 1994. Norman Newell (1919–2004) was a prolific and lyricist whose work shaped mid-20th-century British popular music. Joining EMI's Columbia label in 1949, he produced chart-topping records for artists including and before freelancing in 1965. His collaborations with were particularly influential, yielding hits like the No. 1 single "As Long As He Needs Me" from Oliver!, as well as "" and "This Is My Life," which he both wrote and produced. Newell, awarded an OBE in 2003 for his contributions to music, resided in Angmering and passed away there on 1 December 2004. Stanley Holloway (1890–1982), an acclaimed actor, singer, and comedian, spent his final years in the neighboring parish of East Preston, drawn to its peaceful setting after a distinguished career spanning seven decades. Known for his comic monologues and character roles, Holloway starred in like (1953) and portrayed Alfred P. Doolittle in the stage and film versions of (1956 and 1964), earning a Tony nomination for the Broadway production. Honored with an OBE in 1960 and a special Variety Club award in 1978, he lived with his second wife, Violet Marion Lane, in the area until his death on 30 January 1982. Juliet Pannett (1911–2005), a renowned portrait painter specializing in oils and sketches, made Angmering her home from 1964, establishing a studio at Pound House where she hosted illustrious sitters. Trained at Brighton College of Art, she served as a special artist for the Illustrated London News from 1957 to 1964 and sketched from the House of Commons press gallery, capturing nine British prime ministers including Winston Churchill, Harold Wilson, and Margaret Thatcher. Her subjects also included royals such as Princess Marina, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and multiple portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, alongside celebrities like Louis Armstrong and Yehudi Menuhin; her works were exhibited at the Royal Academy and commissioned for publications like Radio Times. Pannett, appointed MBE in 1987, taught art courses in Angmering from 1973 to 1992 and died there on 4 September 2005 at age 94. Harvey Boulter (b. 2002) is a professional player who grew up in Angmering and began his career there, achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 35 as of October 2024. He has represented in the and won his first ATP title at the 2023 Brisbane International.

References

  1. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/parish-council/angmering
  2. https://cooper-adams.com/blog/angmering-info/5589
  3. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/southeastengland/admin/arun/E04009851__angmering/
  4. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/downloads/Angmering_welcome_pack_v34_WEB_VERSION.pdf
  5. https://www.theanglosaxons.com/the-will-of-king-alfred/
  6. https://historicengland.org.uk/education/schools-resources/educational-images/neolithic-flint-mines-harrow-hill-near-angmering-4416
  7. https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=393091&resourceID=19191
  8. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015886
  9. https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=392756&resourceID=19191
  10. https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/details.xhtml?recordId=3180103
  11. https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/revealed-secrets-of-the-saxon-church-in-an-angmering-garden-2228625
  12. https://figshare.le.ac.uk/ndownloader/files/18205145
  13. https://opendomesday.org/place/TQ0604/angmering/
  14. https://sussexparishchurches.org/church/angmering-st-margaret/
  15. https://archives.history.ac.uk/gazetteer/sussex.html
  16. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Wool-Trade/
  17. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/black_impact_01.shtml
  18. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/Articles/Enclosures.htm
  19. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/Palmer.htm
  20. https://www.southeastcrp.org/railway-200-blue-plaque-horace-hayward/
  21. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/angdev.htm
  22. https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Angmering-Submission-NDP-v4.05.pdf
  23. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/listed_bldgs.htm
  24. https://www.arun.gov.uk/
  25. https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SSX/Angmering
  26. https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Angmering
  27. https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Poling%2C_Sussex%2C_England_Genealogy
  28. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c06680rldzdo
  29. http://www2.westsussex.gov.uk/environment/heritage/SC12_AngmeringCoastal.pdf
  30. http://www2.westsussex.gov.uk/environment/heritage/SD4_angmering_park.pdf
  31. https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ILCA-2005-Introduction.pdf
  32. https://eprints.oxfordarchaeology.com/5812/1/AT485_PXAssessment.pdf
  33. https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB107041012890
  34. https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/065FWF5007
  35. https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wildlife-habitats/habitats/chalk-grassland/
  36. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/population.htm
  37. https://angmering.parish.uk/census/
  38. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/downloads/ABOUT_ANGMERING_-_FINAL_PDF.pdf
  39. https://censusdata.uk/e04009851-angmering/ts021-ethnic-group
  40. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/parish-council
  41. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan
  42. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/directory/entry/allotments
  43. https://www.arun.gov.uk/angmering-neighbourhood-development-plan/
  44. https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/neighbourhood-development-plans/angmering-neighbourhood-plan/angmering-ndp-examiners-report/
  45. https://www.bognorlittlehamptonconservatives.org.uk/news/conservatives-become-largest-party-arun
  46. https://www.eastgrinsteadanduckfieldconservatives.org.uk/news/conservative-run-west-sussex-county-council-states-its-preference-one-unitary-authority
  47. https://members.parliament.uk/member/4874/contact
  48. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/civility-and-respect
  49. https://www.ilivehere.co.uk/statistics-angmering-west-sussex-1038.html
  50. https://streetscan.co.uk/postcode/bn16-4ee
  51. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/Articles/Wealth_Poverty.htm
  52. https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/126018
  53. https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/125959
  54. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/125959
  55. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/126081
  56. https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/126081
  57. https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/126081/the-angmering-school/secondary/results-by-pupil-characteristics
  58. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/find-my-nearest/library/details/api/type/library/view/angmering-library
  59. https://www.arun.gov.uk/skills-training-education/
  60. https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/learning-and-youth-volunteering/schools-groups/
  61. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3429129
  62. https://www.southernrailway.com/journey/angmering-to-london-victoria
  63. https://www.southernrailway.com/journey/angmering-to-chichester
  64. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/anghist.htm
  65. http://www2.westsussex.gov.uk/handt/poe/a284_poe_gparfect.pdf
  66. https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/west-sussex-county-council-news-release-a259-officially-opens-7426/
  67. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roadworks-and-projects/road-projects/lyminster-bypass-north/
  68. https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south/700/littlehampton-chichester/XPAO700.O
  69. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/walking-horse-riding-and-cycling/cycling-routes-and-maps/
  70. https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/south-downs-way/trail-information/
  71. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/media/tabhq1di/census_briefing_2021_travel.pdf
  72. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/media/17428/wstp.pdf
  73. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czdz4qd8d53o
  74. https://www.wsfl.co.uk/league-cup-winners
  75. https://www.footballgroundmap.com/team/angmering-fc
  76. https://www.instagram.com/angmeringfc1970/
  77. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Angmering/posts/10160865599897750/
  78. https://worthingrfc.co.uk/
  79. https://www.arun.gov.uk/angmering-sports-hub/
  80. https://angmering.play-cricket.com/
  81. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/directory/entry/angmering-sports-recreation-association-for-hire
  82. https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/angmering-sports-hub-project-plans-resubmitted-9998
  83. https://www.komoot.com/guide/746428/attractions-around-angmering
  84. https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/angmering-and-french-twin-ouistreham-mark-40th-anniversary-2138153
  85. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/directory/entry/angmering-twinning-association
  86. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Angmering/posts/10157245507712750/
  87. https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/angmering-fete-to-become-annual-event-2438457
  88. https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/angmering-grange-sponsor-village-christmas-memory-tree-3946930
  89. https://southdownsfolkfest.co.uk/
  90. https://issuu.com/allaboutwestsussex/docs/angmering052024
  91. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/news/category/parish-newsletter
  92. https://www.angmering-pc.gov.uk/page/three-circular-walks-in-angmering
  93. https://issuu.com/allaboutwestsussex/docs/angmering042024
  94. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/churchwardens.htm
  95. http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Bios/ThomasPalmer3.htm
  96. http://www.angmeringvillage.co.uk/history/olliver.htm
  97. https://www.the-independent.com/news/people/obituary-lord-delfont-1416939.html
  98. https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/29/arts/lord-delfont-84-theatrical-producer.html
  99. https://www.the-independent.com/news/obituaries/norman-newell-23509.html
  100. https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1560388/stanley-holloway-actor-film-history-uk-violet-lane-the-titfield-thunderbolt-spt
  101. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/juliet-pannett-309389.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.