Bognor Pubs - The Old Pubs illustrated page of Pubs in Bognor Regis, UK

Below are a series of drawings copied from the Inns, Taverns and Hotels, Past and Present of Bognor Regis including Pagham and Felpham which was written by Charles Butler. The book is available from the Bognor Regis Local History Society Museum

Alongside each image I will include the text that accompanies each picture as it hasn't been captured that well in my images and I've also amended, added and hyperlinked some pieces of text where appropriate. There's quite a few so spare a thought for the original artist as it must have taken some time to document, draw and compose the text for each image.

	The original Beer-house was owned by the Turner family, Brewers of Bognor and was probably built about 1860. Adjacent to it was a Bakehouse owned by Thos (Thomas). Waight who augmented his business by becoming the licensee of the tavern. The premises were combined and rebuilt in 1909. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	This small Beer-house was privately owned until acquired by Geo (George) Henty in 1877. It's license was not renewed after 1907 & it became an Estate Office (Agent) until demolished in 1974. Associated with this pub is the story of John Roberts & the supposed Felpham 'murder'.
	Old flint building, Once part of Felpham farm. Was converted into a private residence about 1920. Later it became a Guest House, Rest Home and a Club. Granted a full publicans license in 1972. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	One of the town's original Hotels built about 1840. An additional storey (not shown) was added in 1911. The license was not renewed after 1963 when the property was acquired by the Bognor U.D.C. (Urban District Council) Comment: Now where the Beach Restaurant/Fish & Chip bar is on the corner of Waterloo Square. See old picture. See 2007 picture.
	A small Alehouse built about 1840. Owned by the Turner family, brewers of Bognor. Demolished in 1930 to be replaced by the present large building. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	The original building which stood here (see above) followed the same style as many others in the vicinity being to all appearances simply a cottage. The old structure was demolished in 1930 when the present pub was erected. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	The property originally belonged to Henry Harrison, brewer of Arundel but this building was probably erected about 1873 when it was acquired by Lambert & Norris, also of Arundel. Comment: Now called the Unicorn Hotel. See 2007 picture.
	The original 'Berkeley Arms' was an Ale-house situated at 35 West Street and owned by the Pacy family. It was closed in 1933 and the license transferred to the new building at 27 West Street. Max Beerbohm, critic and caricaturist used to stay here when visiting Bognor in the 19th century. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	Following the closure of the old Berkley Arms, this building was erected in 1930 on the site formerly occupied by the Wheatsheaf. It has a fine painted hanging sign depicting the Berkley coat-of-arms. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	This Ale-house is said to have dated from the 18th century. It was closed and later demolished when the adjacent Southdowns Hotel was built in 1924.
	The land formerly was part of the estate owned by Sir Richard Hotham. It was purchased about 1820 by James Tomsett, builder of South Bersted who erected the house. It has a very fine hanging sign painted by R Crosby Cook of Ditchling. Comment: No longer standing. See old picture.
	One of the first Hotels & Post -Houses in the town. Probably built about 1817/1820. It was named after the house at Esher (Surrey), home of the newly married Princess Charlotte Augusta, known & loved by the local people of Bognor. It was closed as an Hotel in 1887. Comment: Where the Launderette now stands. See 2007 picture.
	When the adjacent Claremont Hotel (see above) closed in 1887, an Ale-house must have existed here until replaced by this present building. Erected about 1910. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	One of the oldest Ale-houses in the town, probably built about 1830. Was owned by the Tomsett family, builders of South Bersted. Was the venue of the Coach & Horses club, a local pre-World War I social gathering. Closed between 1977 & 1979, was re-opened after alterations. Comment: Was later renamed to The Two-Way Inn because of entrances in Manor Place and The Steyne. Now closed as it has become residential property.
	An Ale-house originally owned by the Tomsett family. It was closed in 1970 & demolished in the area clearance of that date.
	Originally one of the old Ale-houses built about 1830 and owned by the Turner family, brewers of Bognor. The premises had a skittle alley at the rear. The license was not renewed after 1911 and it subsequently became an artist colourmans shop owned by G Robins and later by Gough Bros. Comment: A pub again as it is now 'DJ's Cafe Bar'. See 2007 picture.
	Records show the property was owned in 1717 by James Lutman, Yeoman of Sth Mundam (Mundham) who sold it in 1769 to William Stocker of Sth Bersted. It was purchased by Sir Richard Hotham in 1790 who installed there Geo (George) Grinder, transferred from 'The Fox' at Bognor. The thatched Ale-house was destroyed by fire in 1946 & the present building was erected in the same year. Comment: See old picture. See 2007 picture 1 See 2007 picture 2
	Built in 1920. It replaced the old thatched Ale-house known locally as The Bacon Loft (Prince of Wales) Comment: See old picture. Not to be confused with the current Prince of Wales pub. See 2007 picture.
	It would appear that an Ale-house known as the St George and the Dragon existed here in 1705. This appears to have subsequently disappeared until replaced in the 19th Century by the present building. Comment: See old picture. See 2007 picture.
	The building dated from about 1826 when it was a Blacksmiths shop. After being acquired by Lambert & Norris, brewers of Arundel, it was known as The Fishermen's pub and was called The Eagle due to the brewers trade sign over the door. It became 'The Globe' in 1872. When the license expired in 1911, reverted to a private residence until demolished in 1969.
	The house was built about 1790 and used as the town's first Post-Office. It was acquired in 1840 by John Osborn who opened an Ale-house. It ceased as a licensed house sometime in 1880 and became a private residence known as 'Derby House' until demolished in 1939 when Lyon Street was widened.
	The great development of the Pagham area between the wars necessitated the prevision of a licensed premises which was built in 1939. When it's sign was considered it was named after that part of the sea-front used by King George V during his convalescent stay at nearby Craigwell House in 1929. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	The building dated from about 1830/40 & was described in the records as 'Brewer Tap & Yard' with Harry Tomsett as owner & occupier. It's license was not renewed & it closed 13th November 1907. It was used subsequently for many purposes having at one time a shop front. It was finally demolished in 1969 when the area was cleared.
	This is the latest licensed premises in Bognor to serve the rapidly expanding area north of the town. Built in 1979 it has been the subject of controvesey by local people who object to it's advanced design. Comment: Now called The Family Tree. See 2007 picture.
	Built about 1702/6 it did not become a Beer-house until 1860 when it was owned by Thomas Wingate-Baker. It is from this pub that a local event known as 'The Pram Race' starts each boxing day. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	This building was probably erected about mid 19th Century. Originally three public houses existed in this small street situated in the (then) poor part of the town. When the area was cleared in 1970 'The Lamb' alone was allowed to remain. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	The Lennox Arms. Some doubt exists to the actual location of this Ale-house although the old licensing registers state it was in South Bersted and was owned by the Turner family of brewers. The register gives the name of Edward Carter as renewing his license in 1872 which indicates he was already the Landlord. He was followed in 1874 by John Mills but as he absconded he was replaced in 1875 by William King. As no further entries were made it is assumed the premises closed soon after.
	A new licensed premises built in 1966 at the western end of the town to serve the Aldwick & West Meads area of the town. The name is taken from the mystical clawless bird depicted on the Sussex coat-of-arms. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	Part of a terrace of houses probably built about 1870. That part, now a licensed premises, was once a restaurant and became a pub in 1949. Orlando figures in the romantic tales of Charlemagne. He possessed a magic horn called Olivant. Comment: This Pub later became called the 'Hogs Head' and then 'The Beach House'. It is now called 'The Junction'. See 2007 picture.
	This building was believed to date from the 17th Century and probably became a Beer-house as a result of the 1830 act. In early 19th Century it was owned by Charles John Alkey, brewer of East Walls, Chichester. It was locally known as 'The Bacon Loft'. Comment: See old picture. Not to be confused with the current Prince of Wales pub.
	It would appear a licensed premises existed here about 1830 although no publicans can be traced. There is a deed of 4th July 1879 which mentions it being sold by the Turner family, brewers of Bognor. The building was completely destroyed by fire in 1900 and the present building dates from that time. Comment: Was this originally 'The Lennox Arms'? See above. See 2007 picture.
	The complete terrace was built about 1860 and part was used as an Hotel when the railway was extended to the town in 1864. It has a very fine hanging sign painted in 1960 by R Crosby Cook of Ditchling. The present frontage is (was) very poor. Comment: Later became called the 'Railway Emporium' , now just called 'The Railway'. See 2007 picture.
	The original building known as the Red Lion was 15th Century and probably a smugglers haunt. It became a licensed Beer-house about 1860, owned by George Collins. The license expired in 1907 & it became privately owned but functioned again as an Inn when it became known by it's present name. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	This Beer-house was also known as the 'Jubilee Stamp House' due to the efforts of the publican Richard Sharpe to cover one room and furniture entirely with stamps. Both Landlord & pub became one of the town's attractions to a ¼ million visitors. The building was demolished to make way for the present 'Rising Sun' Comment: See old picture. See 2007 picture.
	The first Beer-house on the site was known as 'The Jubilee Stamp House' started by Richard Sharpe. He covered one room and furniture entirely with stamps and it became famous as one of the towns attractions with over a ¼ million visitors during it's existence. The old flint building was demolished in 1957 to be replaced by the present Public House. Comment: In the 80's the pub was renamed to 'Stamps' and later 'The Bersted Tavern'. It has now been renamed and is once again 'The Rising Sun' See 2007 picture.
	Small Ale-house probably built about 1830 when it was owned by W. Watkins, brewer of Arundel. It became, ultimately, the property of Henty & Constable & was sold by them in 1954. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	A full abstract of title (held by Ind Coope) records the site from Elizabethan times. It passed through many hands, one owner being Sir Richard Hotham. It was acquired by Richard William Turner, master brewer of Upper Bognor and sold to Chas P Henty in 1879 for £1,000. It has been classified as a building of historic interest being 17th Century. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	This small early 19th Century cottage was acquired by Chas Collins a local brewer who installed Dilloway, a nearby Wheel-Wright as Landlord. The building was demolished in 1930 to be replaced by the present large premises. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	These large premises built in 1930 replaced the small 19th Century flint Ale-house that originally stood on this site. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	Said to be about 200 years old but the earliest reference as an Ale-house is the 1841 census. A tunnel connecting with the shore & used by smugglers was supposed to exist. The building was probably modernised about 1930. Comment: See old picture. See 2007 picture.
	Following the closure & demolition of the 'Brewers Arms' in 1924, the need for a licensed premises on this eastern approach road to the town was met by the building of this Hotel. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	Built by William Hardwicke, brewer about 1810/16. It was then known as 'The New Inn' and the departure point for the London bound stage coaches. The extension (on the left-hand side) was probably added about 1870. At that time, no doubt, the present name was adopted. Comment: Now called the 'William Hardwicke'. See 2007 picture.
	The building was owned originally by Lambert & Norris, brewers of Arundel. In all probability was designed for them by the local architect Arthur Smith as it has great similarity with the Victoria Hotel, Aldwick Road, known to be by him. Comment: Now called 'the station'. See 2007 picture.
	The left-hand building dates from about 1830 and was originally a Brew-house. The two buildings were combined in 1930. The village Ale-house called 'The Hero of the Nile' was situated on the site of the present post-office. Comment: There was once an Old Curiosity Room that was housed in the Thatched House Inn. See 2007 picture.
	Because of environmental changes this Ale-house became a private residence in 1978. There is a tablet on the south wall with a date (of) 1752 and the initials B.N.S. It is referred to in the tythe (tax) records of 1842 as a beer and lodging house owned by Charles Gatehouse, brewer of Chichester. It was then known as 'The White Horse'. The change of name probably occurred about 1862. The building has been classified as being of historic interest and graded Class II (Grade II listed). Comment: See old picture.
	The earliest records date from Oct 1870 when the building was probably erected by Arthur Smith, a local architect & Estate Agent, largely concerned with the development of the area then known as Victoria Park. The Hotel was featured as 'Vicuna Hotel' in H. G. Wells' novel 'The Wheels of Chance'.(Chapter 21) Comment: The hotel was known locally as the 'Big Vic' and is now demolished.
	Originally the property of Richard Allen who also owned the adjacent Victoria Brewery (now demolished). It is known as the 'Little Vic' to distinguish it from the nearby Victoria Hotel. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	Was probably originally a fishermans cottage prior to 1874 and was owned in the 19th Century by the Pacy family. Their advertisement states they respectfully invited the nobility gentry, inhabitants & visitors to test the genuine quality of Edward Pacy's home-brewed beer - 10 Pence to 20 Pence per gallon. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	This old Ale-house owned by the Gatehouse family became a thriving Hotel until it deteriorated and closed in 1932.The license was transferred to Hawthorn Road and the old building demolished. The (new) 'Berkeley Arms' was erected on the site.
	On land once owned by Sir Richard Hotham and later The Servite Order, this building was erected in 1932 when the old Wheatsheaf (West Street) closed. Hawthorn Road was once known as Sheepwash Lane. Comment: See 2007 picture.
	A document exists which shows that an Ale-house was sited here in the 18th Century and was called 'The Travellers Joy', owned by Joseph Rushbridge. In the early 19th Century it was known as 'The Barley Mow' when the licensee was John Ewens. It's present name must have been adopted about 1842. This replacement building was erected about 1915. Comment: Also had the name of Trax II. See 2007 picture.
	Built about 1830 and named as a Post-House in Pigots Directory of 1839. It was described as a wine cellar owned by James Smith and attached to York House, once next door. Comment: This is now where The Body Shop is. See old picture.


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