West Thorney
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| West Thorney | |
|---|---|
 West Thorney Church | |
  West Thorney Location within West Sussex | |
| Area | 12.23 km2 (4.72 sq mi) [1] |
| Population | 1,183. 2011 Census[2] |
| • Density | 88/km2 (230/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | SU768023 |
| • London | 59 miles (95 km) NE |
| Civil parish |
|
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | EMSWORTH |
| Postcode district | PO10 |
| Dialling code | 01243 |
| Police | Sussex |
| Fire | West Sussex |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| UK Parliament | |
West Thorney was a village and civil parish on Thorney Island in the Chichester district of West Sussex, England, located nine kilometres (5.6 miles) west of Chichester south of the A27 road. The village was demolished after the Air Ministry requisitioned the island during the second world war and was replaced by housing and infrastructure for military families. Just to the south is the smaller Pilsey Island, a haven for birds. The island was a World War II airfield RAF Thorney Island which remained in use until 1976. Since 1982 the base has been used by the Royal Artillery. Only the church and coastal footpath are open to the public.[3] It is necessary to give one's name and address by intercom to be allowed through remotely controlled gates.[4] The parish has a land area of 1,223 hectares (3,020 acres). In the 2001 census 1079 people lived in 217 households, of whom 679 were economically active.[1] At the 2011 Census the population was 1,183.[2]
The Anglican parish church is dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The original building dates from around 1100 A.D. probably on the orders of Bishop Warlewast.
History
The Manor of Thorney belonged to the chapelry of Bosham at the Norman Conquest and was held by the Bishops of Exeter. In 1086 A.D. the Domesday Book recorded that 'Mauger holds of the land of this church 12 hides as one manor; it is called Tornei and pays geld for 8 hides'. It was sold by the Bishop of Exeter in 1548 to Thomas Fisher, who the following year sold it to Henry Bickley.[5]
