Church Norton

Ancient ecclesiastical site overlooking Pagham Harbour, now a nature reserve

A quiet hamlet on the northern edge of Selsey parish, at the head of Pagham Harbour. Church Norton is one of the most historically significant sites in Sussex, as it was here that the Saxon cathedral stood from 681 AD until the see was moved to Chichester in 1075. The remains of the original chapel survive as the chancel of a ruined medieval church, standing in a peaceful churchyard among ancient yew trees overlooking the harbour. The site is now part of the Pagham Harbour nature reserve, managed by the RSPB, and the paths around Church Norton are excellent for birdwatching. The harbour, a tidal inlet of mud flats and salt marsh, supports large populations of wading birds, wildfowl and migratory species. Church Norton spit, a shingle ridge extending into the harbour mouth, is an important breeding site for little terns. The hamlet consists of a handful of houses and a farm, and has no shops or services.