Discovering history is a work in progress. Shoreham Port is no exception. A Trust Port since 1760, the Port has many stories to tell, some we know already and others yet to be uncovered.
Early history
Before the 18th century, the sea tides and the movement of the river Adur were the biggest influences on the establishment of the Port at what was New Shoreham. The constant shifting eastwards of the shingle bar at the river mouth caused silting upriver and moved the landings south. Entrances were cut to allow ships to land anywhere from New Shoreham to Hove. Communities grew up at Portslade (then called Copperas Gap); Southwick and quaintly named Egypt and Alexandria.
It wasn’t until the mid-1700s that the current harbour mouth was cut and it wasn’t properly established until the early 1800s. Records show goods then started arriving at the Port from all over the world.
Meet our Archivist
I'm Sue, the Port’s Volunteer Archivist, and I’m first to admit I am learning as I go. The Port has some sources, including collections of photographs and the Minute books dating back to the mid-18th century, when the trustees first met to decide their rules of engagement. The Port’s origins go back further, possibly to prehistoric times. It’s an exciting project to dig into, and any discoveries will be shared on this page.
The Port has a long and varied history but that has not happened in isolation. Building links with local groups, including the Shoreham Society, Marlipins Museum, Sussex Past, The Keep, the records offices and historians at Brighton and Sussex Universities, will be important to reveal more about our mutual past. Memories of local people are also welcome.
