Bosham
The Bayeux Tapestry depicting Harold Godwin at Bosham (spelt the same as today) Church
Situated at the head of a creek with safe anchorage for small
vessels and possessing the advantage of good pasture land for cattle, timber
for building purposes, rich soil for the growth of corn and a never failing stream
of fresh water, the spot has been a favourable one for settlement from the very
earliest times and it was amongst the first sites to be permanently occupied by
the Romans. There are parts of a Roman Basilica built into the Saxon church. The
corn from this area was sent all over Europe -
Armies of North West Europe. After the Romans left, Bosham continued to have importance since it was quicker to get to the Continent of Europe from Bosham rather than via London and the Thames. The Saxon history of the parish is almost entirely ecclesiastical and Bosham was a place of considerable importance at that time. Dicul, an Irish monk, had a small monastery in "Boshanham, a spot surrounded by woods and sea" in the 7th century. Little is known for the next three centuries until King Canute succeeded to the English throne in 1017 and is believed to have had a residence at Bosham and his daughter was buried in the Church.
As depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry Harold Godwin, later King Harold, prayed in the church in 1064 before sailing to Normandy where he was captured by William, Duke of Normandy. Although he swore to assist Duke William attain the English Crown, Harold subsequently broke his oath and this led to the Norman Invasion of 1066.
From Norman times there were sailors coming in and out of Chichester Harbour from the Mediterranean and, with the reputation of sailors, it is not difficult to see where the dark good looks of Bosham people originated.
In Medieval times Bosham was an important port, but in 17/18th century West Sussex suffered from a lack of good roads and Bosham was somewhat isolated.
Today it remains unspoilt; a centre for yachtsmen and artists.
As depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry Harold Godwin, later King Harold, prayed in the church in 1064 before sailing to Normandy where he was captured by William, Duke of Normandy. Although he swore to assist Duke William attain the English Crown, Harold subsequently broke his oath and this led to the Norman Invasion of 1066.
From Norman times there were sailors coming in and out of Chichester Harbour from the Mediterranean and, with the reputation of sailors, it is not difficult to see where the dark good looks of Bosham people originated.
In Medieval times Bosham was an important port, but in 17/18th century West Sussex suffered from a lack of good roads and Bosham was somewhat isolated.
Today it remains unspoilt; a centre for yachtsmen and artists.