A Saxon Naval Base in Chichester Harbour

Wednesday 16th January 2019

Emsworth Community Hall was full for the talk given by local historian, Philip MacDougall, describing how Bosham, Chidham, Southbourne and Thorney Island were once part of a Saxon Naval Base in Chichester Harbour.

Philip’s well –illustrated talk told the story of this important facility and the site of the harbour and local dockyard that served the royal fleet of King Harold. Several references were made to the Godwin Family, the most powerful family in England until 1066, and this power base was based in Bosham where warships were prepared for battle. The timber used to build the war ships was cut from nearby oak forests. These impressive boats were rowed by 60 oarsmen each side. At the end of this informative talk Philip answered many questions from the audience.

Sue Young

Top image shows Philip McDougal being introduced by Margaret Rogers