LITTLEHAMPTON is a parish and seaport town, at the mouth of the river Arun, in the Western division of the county, hundred of Poling, county court district and rape of Arundel, East Preston incorporation, diocese and archdeaconry of Chichester. It is 59 miles from London by road and 62 by railway; the station is a mile and a half from the town; it is 7 miles from Worthing and 4 from Arundel. From its favourable situation Littlehampton is much frequented as a watering-place: it possesses all the attractions of retirement and seclusion, a mild and salubrious air, and the advantages of rural scenery: the sands at low water are firm and dry, and carriages way travel on them as far as Worthing. The trade is considerable, as it has river communication with an extensive district. A new military fort, constructed on the latest principles, and mounting five 68-pounders, besides mortars, has been erected on the west side of the river. The ground beyond has been selected by the authorities to be used as an encampment for rifle practice, huts for which have been erected. A regatta and races, supported by subscription, have been held here for several years: they are carried out in a spirited manner, and draw a large concourse of spectators. The government is a local board of health, consisting of nine commissioners. The church of St. Mary the Virgin is a Gothic structure, rebuilt in 1825, at a cost of £3,000, and has accommodation for 1,200 persons, including 380 free sittings: it has a magnificent organ. The register dates from 1642. The living is a vicarage, value £175, in the gift of the Bishop of Chichester, and held by the Rev. Charles Rumball, B.A., of Magdalen Hall, Oxford. Here is a National school for 150 children; also an Infant school, erected at the sole expense of Mrs. Compton, and mainly supported by her: it to conducted on the Colonial Infants' School system. There is a Wesleyan chapel in the Ferry-road, erected in 1825, with accommodation for 250 persons; and a handsome chapel in the High street for the Independents, erected in 1861. A pleasure fair is held on the 26th of May. There are also assembly-rooms for public amusements, concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and public meetings. The Norfolk hotel is the principal inn. The area is 1,222 acres, and the population in 1861 was 2,350. [Kelly's Post Office Directory of Essex, Herts, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, 1867.]
