Introducing Clapham

Clapham Field Photo © Simon Carey (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The village lies in the Arun district of West Sussex, just north of the well-known seaside town of Worthing.

The main road leading into the village is simply known as ‘The Street’, and contains most of the village’s residential properties, as well as the local school and historic church.

The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, recorded then as ‘Clopeham’. Historians believe that it was an ideal location for some of the first Saxon settlements in the southeast, due to the materials on hand and lush land suitable for farming.

Clapham Common Photo © Simon Carey (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Clapham Woods Photo © Slbs (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Key landmarks of Clapham

A short distance in you’ll find the 12th century church of St Mary the Virgin, located just off The Street on a small incline into the wooded area that surrounds much of the village.

In recent times, the Woods have been shrouded in mystery and ghostly tales. Many people have spoken of paranormal activity in the wood, which has led some to believe the area is haunted.

Alongside a recreation ground and Clapham Common (not to be mistaken with the slightly larger green space of the same name in London), is a tea room (which, by all accounts, is NOT haunted!), a kennels and a business centre.

Useful links

Voluntary run website to serve the community: https://www.claphamandpatching-westsussex.org.uk/

Clapham is just one of the places covered by the free Sussex Local magazine delivered by hand, by local people, every month.

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