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120 THE SUSSEX COAST
(c. 1320). By Perpendicular architects the south wall was largely rebuilt, and the west window was constructed about the year 1420; while, as if all this were not enough variety, a porch was added to the nave in the time of Charles I.
Littlehampton, at the mouth of the river, is a very modern-looking and by no means particularly interesting town. Leland has the following exiguous entry concerning it: " At the Mouth of Arundel Streame as apon the Se lyith ii toune-lettes a 4. Miles from Arundel, The hither is caullid Cudlo, and of it the Haven is caullid Cudlo Haven. The farther is caullid Little Hampton." A more detailed account is to be gleaned from the Gentleman's Magazine, which gives a description of the place in 1834. "Littlehampton has acquired many warm friends, who consider it unrivalled by any watering-places on the southern coast for the conveniences of bathing, and the salubrity and free circulation of fine air. The principal houses stand on a terrace placed about 200 yards from the sea, a distance which is increased to half a mile at low water. In front of the houses is a common of about 100 acres, on which sheep only are permitted to feed; and children can therefore enjoy their pastimes thereon with perfect safety. An abundance of mushrooms may be gathered on this common at the proper season. . . . On the retiring of the sea, the sands are of the finest kind, firm and dry, and may be passed with horses and carriages so far as Worthing. . . . The mildness of the climate is shown by the myrtles, which grow in the open air against the houses." The same account gives a view of the little mediaeval church, and says of the present one, rather flatteringly, that it " is not remarkable |
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