Centuries of Coastal Erosion at Selsey

c. 1700-1900

Selsey has lost significant amounts of land to the sea over the centuries. The original site of the Saxon cathedral at the southern end of the peninsula is believed to have been claimed by the sea, with the Church Norton remains representing the northern part of the original complex. Maps from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries show areas of land south and east of Selsey Bill that no longer exist. Houses, farmland and even entire streets have been swallowed by coastal erosion. The low-lying nature of the Manhood Peninsula and the soft clay and gravel geology make the coastline particularly vulnerable to storm damage and gradual erosion. Sea defences have been built and rebuilt, but the battle against the sea has been a constant theme in Selsey's history.