Sompting

Introduction

Sompting, a village and civil parish in the Adur District of West Sussex, occupies a significant place in the region's history. Nestled between Lancing and Worthing at the foot of the South Downs National Park, its location has shaped a unique historical narrative influenced by both coastal proximity and rural connections.

The village's name, derived from Old English terms *sumpt and -ingas, meaning "(settlement of) the dwellers at the marsh," reflects its early geographical character. First recorded as "Suntinga" in 956, the name evolved to "Sultinges" in the Domesday Book of 1086, showcasing the influence of Norman scribes on local nomenclature.

Early History

Before the Norman Conquest, Sompting was held by Lewin under King Edward and was part of the Brightford Hundred. The Domesday Book reveals its status as a substantial settlement with 53 households, placing it among the largest 20% of settlements recorded at the time.

The southern part of the parish was once part of the tidal estuary of the Broadwater and Sompting brook, supporting the etymological basis of the village's name. This marshy environment, though less apparent today, played a crucial role in shaping the early settlement.

Manorial History

Following the Norman Conquest, Sompting became part of the Rape of Bramber under William de Braose. The parish was divided into three principal manors:

• Lychpole: Held by Lewin before 1066, later acquired by John Crofts in the mid-18th century
• Sompting Abbotts: Granted to the Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy, later owned by Syon Abbey, and eventually by the Crofts family
• Sompting Peverel (Church Farm): Owned by the Peverel family, later incorporated into the Sompting Estate

The mid-18th century saw significant changes when John Crofts, a solicitor, acquired both Lychpole Manor and Sompting Abbotts, establishing the extensive Sompting Estate. The estate's development continued through the Crofts and later Tristram families, shaping the village's agricultural and social fabric.

St. Mary's Church

The Church of St. Mary the Blessed Virgin stands as a profound historical and architectural monument. Dating from around 960 AD, it features a unique 'Rhenish helm' pyramidal roof on its tower, the only example of its kind in England. The church's architecture combines Anglo-Saxon and Norman styles, with Roman-era brickwork incorporated into the tower.

In 1154, the church's advowson was granted to the Knights Templar by William de Braose, leading to structural alterations. Following the suppression of the Knights Templar, ownership passed to the Knights Hospitaller in 1324. The church underwent several restorations, including significant work in 1791, 1827, and a comprehensive restoration in 1853 by Richard Cromwell Carpenter.

Religious Landscape

Beyond the Anglican church, Sompting has been home to various religious institutions reflecting England's changing religious landscape:

• Methodist mission chapel (1887) on West Street
• Protestant chapel (1856-1876)
• Non-sectarian iron mission hall (1879), later becoming Congregational

These establishments illustrate the dynamic nature of faith within the community over time.

Notable Events & Figures

Sompting's history is marked by significant events and notable residents:

• Queen Caroline's visit to Sompting Abbotts in 1814
• Edward Trelawny's residence (1871 until death), connecting the village to the Romantic literary era
• World War I prisoner-of-war camp on Rectory Farm estate
• World War II bombing raids in nearby fields
• Establishment of the Sompting Festival in 2005
• Sompting Old exhibition (since 1994)

Economic Development

Sompting's economy was historically agrarian, with agriculture as the main livelihood. The village's agricultural practices included:

• Arable farming and pasture on the South Downs
• Cultivation of barley, wheat, peas, oats, and vetch
• Sheep and cattle farming
• Market gardening and extensive nurseries north of West Street

The 20th century brought significant changes with the New Shoreham to Worthing Railway line (1845) and post-World War II housebuilding programs, transforming the landscape and economy.

Architectural Heritage

Sompting's architectural landscape features several significant buildings:

• St. Mary's Church with its unique 'Rhenish helm' tower
• Sompting Abbotts (1856) by Philip Charles Hardwick
• Old Sompting Rectory (1791)
• Sompting's Parish Hall (1889)
• Upton Farmhouse (18th century)
• Brooklands (late 18th/early 19th century)
• The Hermitage on Church Lane
• Trelawney Cottage

The Sompting Gap

The Sompting Gap represents a crucial geographical and ecological feature, serving as a protected area of marshland between Sompting and Worthing. This area:

• Was once an inlet of the sea
• Contains the Broadwater Brook (Sompting Brook)
• Acts as a vital wildlife corridor between the South Downs and coastal region
• Maintains the distinct identities of Sompting and Worthing
• Includes designated Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)

Historical Records

Sompting's history is well-documented through various sources:

• Domesday Book (1086)
• Sompting Parish Registers (from 1546)
• Historical maps from Francis Frith and Ordnance Survey
• Lancing & Sompting Pastfinders research and publications
• West Sussex Record Office archives