Sussex Archaeological Collections: Relating to the history and antiquities of the counties of East and West Sussex
Sussex Archaeological Society, 2000. (updated 2022) https://doi.org/10.5284/1000334. How to cite using this DOI
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- ADS Collection: 285
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000334
- How to cite using this DOI
Bosham
A KEY ANGLO-SAXON HARBOUR
by PHILLIP MACDOUGALL
Evidence from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle demonstrates the existence of a substantial fleet of ships possessed by the Godwine family during the early eleventh century. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle further reveals that the port area for these ships was that of the waters of Chichester Harbour while specifically mentioning the Manor of Bosham. This article explores this evidence while examining the necessary extent of such facilities and their possible exact location. In particular, the site of a likely protected harbour is indicated together with additional areas that might have hosted facilities for the building, maintenance and winter protection of this fleet. It is also noted that it was this same fleet that came into possession of Harold Godwine, the last Saxon king of England.
