Westhampnett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westhampnett |
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| Village | |
 Church of St Peter |
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 Westhampnett
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| Area | 8.89 km2 (3.43 sq mi) |
| Population | 709 (2011 Census) |
| • Density | 52/km2 (130/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | SU883062 |
| • London | 53 miles (85 km) NNE |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CHICHESTER |
| Postcode district | PO18 |
| Dialling code | 01243 |
| Police | Sussex |
| Fire | West Sussex |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Westhampnett is a small village in West Sussex, England. It is located about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) northeast of the city of Chichester. This village has a long history, going back to before the Normans arrived in England.
Westhampnett is home to many old buildings. One of the most important is the Saxon church of St Peter. Three important church leaders, called bishops, are buried there. The village also includes a large part of the famous Goodwood estate. This estate has a golf course, a motor-racing track, and an airfield.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Westhampnett has changed over many years. It first appeared in a very old book called the Domesday Book in 1086. Back then, it was called Hentone.
This name came from old English words meaning 'high' and 'farmstead'. So, it meant 'high farm'. Later, around 1279, the name changed to Westhamptonette. This new name added 'west' and a small ending that meant 'little'.
A Look Back in Time
Westhampnett was first settled by the Anglo-Saxons. Like many places, it came under new rulers after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The village today has houses spread around its old church.
Early Days and the Domesday Book
Westhampnett was listed in the Domesday Book in 1086. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. It showed that Westhampnett had 16 small farms, woodlands, and a mill. It also had a church, which is still there today.
Old Buildings and Workhouses
A hospital called St James's Hospital was built in Westhampnett a very long time ago. It was for people who were sick with leprosy. A fire destroyed it in 1781. Today, a building called Leper's Cottage stands on the same spot. It is a very old, protected building.
In 1835, a workhouse was set up in Westhampnett. A workhouse was a place where poor people could live and work. The Westhampnett workhouse was destroyed by fire in 1899. The building had been there since the 1500s.
About the Area
The area known as the civil parish of Westhampnett is quite large. It includes smaller areas like Maudlin and Waterbeach to the northeast. It also includes Westerton and Woodcote to the north.
Maudlin got its name from an old hospital dedicated to St Mary Magdalen. To the north, the parish reaches up to the Goodwood Racecourse. This racecourse is high up on the South Downs. The parish also includes Goodwood House and most of the Goodwood Airfield and motor racing circuit.
St Peter's Church
The parish church of St Peter is a very old and important building. It was built by the Saxons even before the Normans arrived. The church even has Roman bricks in its walls!
It is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church was made bigger in the 1200s and again in later centuries. It has three bells, with the oldest one being from 1581. The churchyard has many fancy gravestones. These show that wealthy people lived in the area a long time ago.
Local School
The March Church of England Primary School is located in Claypit Lane. It is right next to St Peter's Church.
Westhampnett Airfield: A War Hero
The airfield in Westhampnett started as a fighter plane base during World War II. It opened in 1940 during the Battle of Britain. At that time, it was home to two squadrons of Spitfire planes. Later, American fighter squadrons also used the airfield. They flew British Spitfires and Typhoons.
Goodwood Estate: Fun and Fast Cars
The Goodwood estate is the family home of the Dukes of Richmond. It covers a large part of Westhampnett. A motor racing track was built using the roads around the old RAF airfield. This airfield is now called Chichester/Goodwood Airport. It is used for fun flying and pilot training.
The track hosts a big annual race meeting called the Goodwood Revival. Another famous event, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, takes place around a hill climb at Goodwood House. The Goodwood Racecourse is also in the northern part of the estate.
Famous Faces and Places
Between Westhampnett church and Maudlin, you can find the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars assembly plant. This is where these luxury cars are put together and tested.
Just south of the church is the old Westhampnett Mill. This was a watermill on the River Lavant. It is a protected building made of red brick and dates back to 1772. There are many other old, protected buildings in the area.
Important People
Three important Bishops of Chichester are buried at Westhampnett. These were church leaders named Ashurst Gilbert, Richard Durnford, and Ernest Wilberforce. In the church, there is also a monument to Richard Sackville. He was a Member of Parliament in the 1500s.
A famous England cricketer named James Lillywhite was born in Westhampnett. He lived from 1842 to 1929 and is buried at St Peter's Church. James Lillywhite was part of England's very first Test team. He was also the first captain of the England team in their first ever Test match against Australia in 1877.
