The village is part of the District of Chichester, West Sussex, and lies in a largely central position in the county. The name is said to originate from an Olde English translation of ‘the enclosure of Fitela’, a character who is mentioned in the epic Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf.
A medium-sized village, it has almost 1000 residents, and includes a pub, a primary school and an Anglican church.
The village’s only pub, The Swan, is a 14th century coaching inn that was used by royal couriers during the reign of Edward I as a place to stop and change horses en route to the south coast. Look out for the Victorian paintings in the Lounge Bar and visitors’ books.
The Evangelical Free Church was founded in 1906.
There are two stone bridges: the Clappers Bridge comprises two arches over the mill stream while the three 16th century arches of the village Bridge span the River Rother.
Past residents include the explorer and broadcaster Duncan Carse, composer Edward Elgar, and artist Charles Sims. Today, singer Bryan Ferry, of Roxy Music fame, owns the property and grounds called Little Bognor House.
The Rifle Club has both indoor and outdoor ranges, and welcomes newcomers to the sport of shooting.
Fittleworth 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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