Worthing History

Worthing 19th century history - key dates 1800-1850

A new turnpike road from West Grinstead to Worthing (along the route of the current A24) makes Worthing much easier to reach from the north and crucially fashionable Londoners.

1803
Worthing becomes a town with the passing of the Worthing Town Improvement Act.

1805
Worthing protected from the ravages of marauding pirates by the Royal Navy.

1807
Worthing receives another royal visitor - this time it was Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince of Wales.

The Theatre Royal was built in Ann Street.

1810
A market opens in Worthing.

1820
Work starts on building Worthing Esplanade.

1823
The Royal Baths open on the seafront.

1825
Naval skirmish between smugglers and coastguards just off Worthing.

1826
John Oliver's former mill on Highdown Hill demolished, leaving just a Tomb with a View.

1827
Fighting between smugglers and Customs men at Tarring, including a good old-fashioned shoot out.

1829
Princess Augusta, the second daughter of George III, visits Worthing,

1830
Worthing effected by the Captain Swing riots which swept through south eastern England.

1832
Battle in Worthing High Street between smugglers and coastguards results in the death of William Cowerson - one of the leading smugglers.

1834
Demonstrations in favour of higher wages for working men on Highdown Hill.

Gas street lighting installed.

1835
Opening of the Old Town Hall.

1838
More fighting between customs men and smugglers at Goring.

Worthing fishermen petition Parliament for protection from harassment from the French.

1840
Opening of the lovely Wesleyan Chapel in Bedford Row.

1845
The Shoreham to Worthing railway opens, making railway traffic from London a possibility.

1846
The railway extended westwards to Goring-by-Sea.

1850
The Lalla Rookh disaster - 11 Worthing men drowned while effecting a resuce in high seas.

Worthing in the Victorian era >>>