The village is 3km (2 miles) southwest of Arundel, and is one of the most agriculturally productive parts of Sussex. 100% of its arable land is rated at grade 1 quality.
In 2009, TV presenter Ben Fogle campaigned to save the village from becoming a Government ‘eco-town’. Plans included over 5,000 new sustainable homes being built on surrounding green-field sites, a 15mph speed limit, recycled bathwater for communal flowerbeds, and power generated by solar panels and wind turbines.
The parish church of St-Andrew-by-the-Ford was built around 1040, and has both Saxon and Norman architectural features within a walled churchyard. The white wooden bell-tower used to act as a useful landmark for ships in the nearby English Channel.
The village is notable as being the location of the Open Prison (proper name HM Prison Ford), which is built on the former RAF Ford Battle of Britain airfield and Royal Naval air station and was converted in 1960. Famous former inmates include Lord Brocket, George Best and Darius Guppy.
From the railway station, you can travel along the West Coastway Line that runs between Brighton and Southampton. You can also access London Victoria, Portsmouth & Southsea, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. The Engine Shed is next door; they claim to be the biggest model railway shop in the UK.
Ford is just one of the places covered by the free Sussex Local magazine delivered by hand, by local people, every month.
Sussex Local publishes eight editions per month across West Sussex together with our website and podcast.
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