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Directory: 1840 Directory of Sussex.

Pages: -.

Name: Arundel.

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Arundel

Is a market town and borough, both corporate and parliamentary, in the parish, hundred and rape of its name; 56 miles S. S. W. from London, 11 east from Chichester, and 4 from the sea; pleasantly situated on a rising ground, and divided into two parts by the river Arun, over which is a neat stone bridge of three arches. The houses are in general neatly built, and many of them are modern and of handsome appearance; the streets are well paved and lighted with gas, and the inhabitants plentifully supplied with excellent water. The environs afford many pleasant walks and rides, and the higher grounds in the vicinity extensive prospects. The trade of Arundel is principally in timber, coal and corn; and the port affords a facility of intercourse between London and the Mediterranean. Ships drawing sixteen feet water can enter the port here by the sea, and a canal connecting the Arun with the Thames affords a medium of conveyance to every part of the kingdom.

A handsome corn exchange was erected some few years since, which has proved a great convenience, as previously there was no kind of market place. Arundel was incorporated by a charter from Elizabeth, which remained in force until the passing of the municipal reform act, under the provisions of which the corporation consists of a mayor, four aldermen and twelve councillors, styled ‘the mayor and burgesses of the borough of Arundel’: the mayor exercises exclusive magisterial jurisdiction within the borough, and presides at a court for the recovery of depts under 40s., held every three weeks; and a meeting of magistrates is held every alternate Tuesday. This borough uninterruptedly returned two burgesses to parliament until the passing of the reform bill, by which enactment it was deprived of one member: the major is the returning officer, and the present representative is Lord Fitzalan, the grandson of the Duke of Norfolk. The latter nobleman, who is lord of the manor, has lately erected an elegant and commodious town hall, at an expense exceeding £7,000. But the boast of this town, and a great attraction to visiters, is Arundel Castle, the splendid seat of the same distinguished nobleman. This castle, which existed in the time of Alfred, was rebuilt by Roger Montgomery soon after the conquest; between this time and the civil wars of Charles I, it was the scene of many interesting events; in the troubles of the latter reign it suffered from dilapidation, and some parts mouldered into ruin; but it was restored by the late Duke of Norfolk, and is now one of the most superb and imposing baronial mansions in the kingdom; it confers on it possessor the title of earl (without creation), and is the only place, with the exception of the castle of Abergavenny, which enjoys this high distinction. The majestic appearance of this castle, which presents itself to view on the entrance of the town from the coast – its extensive and beautiful park, with the windings of the river and delightful adjacent scenery – combines in forming a prospect unequalled besides in the whole county. Arundel is a polling station at the election of members to represent West Sussex.

The church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, and formerly collegiate, is a very ancient and spacious cruciform structure, chiefly in the later style of English architecture, with a low tower rising from the centre; it contains aome ancient monuments, a stone pulpit, an some screen work very finely executed. The living is a discharged vicarage, in the patronage of the Duke; the Rev. H. J. Parsons is the present incumbent. The independents have an elegant chapel here; and there is a large school conducted on the national plan. The market, held on Tuesday, is chiefly for corn; and on every alternate Tuesday is a numerously attended cattle market. Fairs, May 14th, September 25th and December 17th, chiefly for cattle and pedlery. The borough and parish of Arundel contained, in 1831, 2,803 persons.

POST OFFICE, Tarrant street, Charles Weller, Post Master. – Letters from LONDON arrive (by mail cart from Petworth) every morning at a quarter before eight, and are despatched (per same route) every evening at a quarter before seven. – Letters from BRIGHTON, LEWES and WORTHING arrive every day at twelve, and are despatched every afternoon at half past two. – Letters from PORTSMOUTH, CHICHESTER and the West of England arrive every afternoon at half-past two, and are despatched every day at a quarter past twelve. – A Penny Post, to LITTLE HAMPTON, every morning at half-past eight, and noon at a quarter past twelve.

Transcription details

The text for this section was transcribed by: Mark Collins.

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