kING CANUTE’S TIdE FIGhT bY SImON bAkEr IrONS

from Villages in Focus May 2023

b OmbAY p OTATOES

This month sees the coronation of king Charles III and what better way to keep in the theme of kings than a stroll around bosham. bosham is thought to be the birth and burial place of the last Saxon kings of England and of other historic characters such as king Canute. This short walk around the village is flat and mainly accessible throughout its route, however particular attention needs to be paid about the tide.

• Leave the car park, and walk down bosham Lane towards the shoreline, the road looks like it goes into the harbour and plenty of seaweed indicates that the sea covers this road at high tide, so best not park here or you may find your car surrounded by water.

• At this location, legend has it that king Canute of England set his throne on the seashore, sat down and commanded the incoming tide to halt. When the tide continued to approach and splashed over the royal feet, Canute announced to his courtiers; “Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but he whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws – God Almighty”.

• Follow Shore road around the harbour, if the tide is out then you can walk on the road and at high tide you’ll need to walk along the path on the shore wall. From the other side of the water look back towards historic bosham to view one of the most prettiest scenes in Sussex.

• retrace your footsteps back along shore road or for a longer walk continue around the shoreline to the Itchenor Ferry, away from the villages Chichester harbour can be a very tranquil place, from the wild calls of the seabirds to the gentle lapping of the waves over the pebbles.

• back at bosham the route continues to the old quay, via the shoreline or high Street if the tide is high.

• Take a seat on bosham Quay meadow between the holy Trinity Church and the quay. It was from this very place that king harold sailed for Normandy in 1064, both he and bosham Church are depicted in the bayeux Tapestry. A copy of the tapestry can be found in the Church. In 1865 a coffin containing a child’s skeleton was discovered in the church which is believed to be one of king Canute’s daughters. There is a tradition that she drowned in a nearby millstream and was buried here. There is also a tradition that Canute had a palace in the village, perhaps where the manor house now stands, or possibly at the harbour’s edge. Similarly, king harold had a feast in his manor house in bosham the night before he set sail.

• From the church, a short path leads to the bosham Art and Craft Centre, where you can peruse the local art and have a drink before returning to the car.