The Sussex Border Walk - Part Sixteen: The Enigma of Bognor

This episode is filmed in 4k!
Why an Enigma? Bognor Regis had everything going for it when Sir Richard Hotham set it up as a place of relaxation and health, and yet, in his lifetime it never quite made it as he desired to rival Brighton and Worthing. However, from the Victorian period, and especially after a visit from King George V and his apparent seal of approval with the addition of 'Regis', it has prospered.
Related video: Hotham Park: • The Park - Hotham Park...
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[@PortsladeBySea]

The former Royal Hotel, Bognor Regis, is being tastefully redeveloped in to luxury apartments overlooking the pier and sea. Thankfully the Royal Norfolk Hotel still proudly stands opposite the beach. Bognor Regis went through a tricky economic period during the 70’s and 80’s but with the massive redevelopment and expansion of the Butlins Holiday complex, and the beautifully built blocks of Victorian looking apartments, shown in your film, it has survived. The views from the end of the pier are beautiful. Bognor often receives negative media coverage but a friend and I love the town. It’s museum must be one of the best in the whole of Sussex. Hotham Park is a stunningly beautiful park, which is well worth a visit. Over recent years the local authority have invested heavily on improving the park and it’s facilities. You were lucky to have such a lovely sunny morning on which to film this beautiful town, which many people overlook, or rarely visit.

[@lindakane7771]

I agree about the little museum, its brilliant

[@Gez-C]

I like Bognor, have many happy memories of going there when I was a kid. Still go there every so often and its wonderful place

[@barryrice4957]

There are Lignite beds all along the coast there. These were formed between 30 and 60mya when the south coast was more like the Florida Everglades. It's from these beds you get sea coal (Lignite), Iron Pyrite (fools gold) and sometimes the odd blackened animal bone. One winter at least 2ft of sand disappeared from the beach revealing various clays and sandstone. Also Mangrove roots that looked like giant hands.

[@mttfboy]

A beautiful and informative stroll, thanks Richard :)

[@RichardVobes]

My pleasure.

[@johnbyrne2756]

I've been rewatching early episodes of this delightful series recently and they are of such high quality. I knew when they were current 2 years ago that this series was something special but it is only in hindsight that their sheer excellence is shining through -- joyous moments in time

[@RichardVobes]

Aww bless you - the sun is here and I will get out again!

[@caveweta]

As kids we had a week at Butlins in Bognor Regis in the summer of 1967 before we moved to NZ. Fun times. We were largely left to our own devices, all the rides were free, we learned to row a dinghy on the lake, and swam in the indoor pool every day. Happy days!

[@pg-rd7ik]

Bognor Regis holds so many memories from childhood to the present day. I especially remember as a young boy a visit to the (long gone) Esplanade Theatre back in the early 70s to see a production of Aladdin.

[@traceystickland-mottram8021]

Another great bit of filming Richard. Loved the shot of the light coming through the legs of the pier.

[@iandance8591]

I haven't been to Bognor for years. The things I remember we're the nice fish and chips at the end of the peer and the old train station . Was that Tony Hancock in the black and white picture on the billboard outside the Royal Norfolk Hotel? I love the old rustic seaside towns we have in the UK, they can't be found anywhere else in the world. Nice work Richard 👍

[@beachcomber36]

Hancock made a film called the Punch and Judy Man with lots of outdooor location filming on the beach and in Bognor town.

[@hArtyTruffle]

Weird to see Bognor, Felpham and Aldwick again after so long. I worked at Butlins in the late 70s before it’s fancy make-over. I sold Bonsai Tree Kits and Dried Flower Arrangements in the Gaiety Shopping Centre. Strange nostalgia. Thanks Richard 🙏🎄

[@RichardVobes]

Interesting!

[@MrNas42]

Bognor Regis - the unlikely star of a bumper festive 4k edition! I was a frequent visitor to Bognor during the 60s and 70s to visit an maiden great-aunt who lived there. The pier was still it's full length then, but with a great gap in the middle that I was always told was made during the war to prevent enemy landings and was never rebuilt. I remember seaside donkey rides too, and I think they must have been at Bognor, often run by my God-father from the Isle of Wight. If you time the tides correctly, you will encounter that same forest of fossilised trees visible at low tide on the beach just to the west of Hastings, near where the wreck of the Amsterdam lies.

[@tallpojjy]

This evokes so many memories from my past; it is still possible to see fossilised trees at Bracklesham Bay even now at very low tides - just along the coast to the west.

[@andrewnorris1]

Really enjoyed this, the colours of the day are wonderful. I loved the enigma story, a beautiful example of the oral tradition, of stories passed down.

[@TheFukwitz]

When I was a child I would be lucky enough and taken by my grandparents to butlins. I really liked the bread rolls.

[@CharlieCooper3101]

Wow what a great video Richard, I've loved all of your sussex border walks so far but this one is up there with one of the best. It had everything great shots great music great information. I bet it brought back memories of when you used to perform in that theatre. Yes alot of piers have had alot of damage to them. I read ages ago that south parade pier in Portsmouth has had 2 fires in it and it was used for the ken Russell film Tommy for a scene also mr bean aswell. It also was badly damaged in storms and was going to close for good but the public managed to raise enough money to reopen it again. I also remember watching the people dressed up as birds and other Animal's and running of the end of the pier. Lovely little pier in bognor by the looks of it I haven't been there since I was a kid. It would be nice to go back when they finish that hotel to see what it looks like. And trees on the seafront, you couldn't imagine it could you ? Well done again Richard Fantastic you deserve so much praise for the hard work you do honestly.

[@RichardVobes]

You are too kind, Charlie :)

[@jeaniepullen9434]

Thank you Richard, I am addicted to your channel, great narration and so informative.

[@shirleylynch4420]

Incredible info. The pier used during the war , then the flying people, and now sadly losing its full beauty. Very nostalgic. Thank you for sharing your walk this morning. Thoroughly enjoyed it as always.

[@barbonusbar82]

Watch all your videos, thought I would randomly say thanks and hi on this one.

[@merietgenealogy]

Prior to living in Bognor, my family lived at Sefter Farm near Nytimber-Pagham from 1926-1943.

[@RichardVobes]

I bet that was lovely!

[@epiphany8276]

Thank you for showing Bognor in such a positive light. I have family and friends there and it was lovely to see. One of our friends actually jumped off the pier for the Birdman Event. It used to be all for charity and partly organised by the local Rotary and Rotoract.

[@davidbarlow350]

So,The Bald Explorer almost became Ted Bovis? First rule of comedy ,Spike.

[@whosbear]

Wonderful once again Richard. I have been to Bognor a few times but rarely stayed for long or invested it. An interesting bit about the trees at the end. I look forward to hearing the Selsey episode as I got married there and was our first settlement in 1998 were we also had our first child, a daughter. We lived there for about 18 months to 2 years. We made quite a bit on the property. Don't forget to mention the Selsey Tram and visit Patrick Moore old place where in the storm of 87 his telescope got damaged. All the best.

[@sarahtaylor8877]

My Great Auntie Nellie and her siblings moved to Bognor after the war from Birmingham. The government provided post war grants to encourage business. She had a guest house on Park Road. My father remembers the barbed wire on the beach as a child. I enjoyed many summer holidays with my Nan and swimming from the shingle beach.

[@merietgenealogy]

My grandfather, his 2 brothers, my 2 aunts lived in Bognor, I still have 2 cousins living there.

[@SmallWonda]

Nice - thank you, I'm not sure I've ever been to Bognor - but we finally got further along the coast summer before last, which was lovely. Happy student memories of Arundel area from the '70s, so it was something of a pilgrimage to revisit now I live in Australia. Shall be catching up & tagging along, if you don't mind! Have a great day, despite the weather & times! 🥂🐾🦘👍😎

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks so much

[@cogidubnus1953]

Nice one Richard...one of the more sympathetic looks at Bucgan Ora!

[@daveevad]

Richard, an interesting and crisp video in 1080p; my laptop can't handle 4k... Still, it's amazing what extra details are revealed, one of which is a button on your jacket that needs attention! :-)

[@davidmills636]

Very interesting - fascinating that those trees have survived - there are similar ones at Formby on the Lancashire coast

[@raymondsavage9204]

Dear Bognor, spent many happy days there as a child

[@annaylott1949]

My Great Great Grandmother , Mary Wheatland, ran the bathing huts in Bognor. My Mum and Dad have a memorial bench on the prom in front of the Royal Norfolk Hotel.

[@RichardVobes]

Nice!

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Yay! I'm a week behind with the holiday season. I love these videos. Thanks so much.

[@RichardVobes]

Well done!

[@MrGreatplum]

Very enjoyable video and stunning weather. My grandfather was born in Bognor and my grandparents moved there for a while in retirement. A school friend of mine, Holly Walsh, who is a comedian once broke her arm doing the bird man thing off Bognor pier!

[@michaelwhite8031]

Thanks Richard. The weather looks good even though l am sure it was cold. Very interesting about the rock trees.

[@ML-dh6ly]

Use to have a great aunt who lived opposite the putting green at Aldwick marine park gardens in the 60’s & 70’s and we spent most summers there..it was a wonderful time..would go to ‘pets corner’ at hotham park then onto the trampolines situated next to the pier..there use to be a big marquee across the road where they’d be cabaret on every year and live music..happy memories

[@cjrn481]

So interesting. They really bring a place to life. Thank you.

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks so much.

[@walkingTVwithadog]

Sad memories reawakened. I lost my Springer spaniel pup on Bognor beach in 2006. She ran merrily out into the surf and was carried away by a wave. A hard watch

[@RichardVobes]

Sorry to hear that.

[@jeanblemings5352]

Bognor was looking good in the dazzling winter sunshine. Loved the soundtrack. Good to see you back on the border walk and some fascinating facts. Maybe a supplementary episode to take in Hotham park with the LJ and LJ (Little Joe) who would like the park I am sure!

[@JuliaHartley]

Ah yes, Joseph hasn't been to Hotham park since Richard and I filmed there with the lovely Lara last year. Of course, Little Joe doesn't remember it though as he was 'in utero' lol. Good idea to go back, thanks Jean

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Lots of unusual information about Bognor, especially the old pub which was supposedly some way out into what is now the sea. Good video.

[@zoeschofield]

Looks like a great place to visit. I wasn't aware of Bognor Rocks until now! Thanks for a lovely video. I'm enjoying your Sussex Border walks!

[@lindagates9150]

You certainly will get your heart racing when walking on the beaches good that a spot to rest a moment presented itself . I love beach-combing for bits of pottery that had been shoved into the harbour when the great fire of 1877 destroyed at least two fifths of Saint John so I know how hard a surface it is to walk on ,through especially if you are striding along at your usual rate. Enjoy your Boxing Day I have always enjoyed it as the leftovers of yesterday’s big feast meant it was my day of rest after the rush, rush of Christmas Day

[@denniskavanagh3075]

Thank you Richard for taking us on a Christmas Day Walk around Bognor, another great video.

[@Stringtrees]

I love the 4k. I am not sure what that entails but it certainly looks good. A beautiful day too. I've been there a few times (mainly gigging) and have never spent any time on the sea front. Clearly an omission on my part.

[@paulpm57]

When I was a kid, we used to go to Bognor for 2 weeks every summer. We stayed in the Pyrenees Hotel (a wonderful Victorian hotel) on the est side of the town, next to the ornamental gardens. The hotel was demolished in the late 1960's and my parents stared going to Bournmouth instead. I remember tho top of the beach was all pebbles but when the tide went out the the sand beach was great! If you walked along the beach to the west, past all the beach huts, their was the frame from an old shipwreck in the sand, you could only get to it at low water. I've looked on Google Earth, its now vanished. I remember going to a show in the theatre on the end of the pier - I'm not sure but I think it was with Arthur Askey. I went back there in 1994, the town was a sad shadow of its previous success. I see from your video their is new architecture and developments there now, hopefully its coming back!

[@sandycripps5933]

Biking in the Sun There is a Mulberry Harbour wreck at Aldwick, which you you can only see when the tide is lower that is still there, was it that? If you google Mulberry Harbour wreck Aldwick, you will get some pics to have a look at 👍🏻

[@paulpm57]

@@sandycripps5933 I looked at the images on Google, this is the same as the structure I remember. It would be close to the Bognor end of Aldwick beach. I had another look on Google maps but cant see it, maybe it was underwater when the image was taken.

[@sandycripps5933]

@@paulpm57 ive looked at Google maps and couldn't see it, think the tide was in too far, glad you found the pics 👍

[@kezzaba1]

I stayed at that Butlins with a friend and her parents and grandad when I was 16. It was heaven for two teenage girls. 😂😉

[@paulcockerill4260]

Don’t forget to mention Selseys most famous resident when you get there, namely Patrick Moore.

[@andrewrcmadwilkinson6999]

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR RICHARD YOUR VIDEOS HAVE HELPED PEOPLE THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT YEAR

[@RichardVobes]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@orlas5861]

Your starter for 10 Richard , who said , “ Bugger Bognor ? “ 😅😂🤣

[@mikesaunders4775]

A very interesting walk through Bognor , I have not been there since my childhood and knew very little about its development as a resort, nor about the petrified trees, which I thought were only found in Arizona. I was surprised that you didn't mention the famous last words of George V.upon being told he would soon be returning to Bognor.

[@stationmasterschoice-walku1307]

Yet another interesting walk. We learn more about the young Mr. Vobes finding his way in the world and learning his craft. Like the 4k, almost 3d-like effect in places. Such a shame Richard that you had to sit in front of that hideous newish block of flats. The tower actually is quite nice. Almost a hark back to Art Deco I felt. But dont you just hate these modern "balcony banks" that always look as though someone forgot to take the scaffolding away? Glad to see, though, that other buildings are being treated with great respect to their tradition and full marks for that. Really enjoyable Richard, and thank you again. So many people about though. Incredible.

[@johnbyrne2756]

ON THE BORDER (verse 21 of???) On Bognor Pier where gravity was switched off for the day A band of feathered 'Birdmen' came their silly game to play Sir Isaac were he still around might well have gone insane To find his prized discovery being treated with disdain JB20.

[@RichardVobes]

Yes, I should think he would have! :)

[@deanmc178]

i went to butlins in 85,,86 87 and 88 with my mum and dad, they loved it

[@aniaphotouk]

I have attended bird man competition ( as spectator, of course :) it was great to watch! Lots of live bands performances too. I lived there for 3 years. Lovely video, you talks are very interesting and footage beautiful, atmospheric and whole video just works. I would love to be able to travel in time for a day to see what it was like in Victorian times in Bognor.

[@RichardVobes]

Victorian Bognor would be fascinating to witness.

[@johnbyrne2756]

ON THE BORDER (verse 20 of ???) When James Joyce came to Bognor Town the Regis wasn't born A term bestowed by 5th King George when curing airs were drawn Yet inspiration plenty there to fuel his FINNEGAN'S WAKE And well of Hotham's mild resort the lauded author spake. JB20

[@gman922]

You survived the storm sir! best wishes from Florida

[@RichardVobes]

We did indeed.

[@rickonnye2001]

Great video happy weekend

[@cyclebognor]

An interesting wander... But some of the facts are slightly askew! The Fox was built by Sir Richard Hotham on a promentary South of the "actual" Royal Norfolk Hotel but was burnt down in 1826 and the whole area is now lost to the sea. The theatre was of much later construction

[@RichardVobes]

You will have to blame Ward Lock's guide from 1966 for the askew facts. :)

[@cyclebognor]

@@arriesone1 I have that book!

[@13thcentury]

Had some bloody good times in butlins, bognor. Loved it. Bloody nice jacket by the way 👌

[@sheddriver]

Great episode, looks so good in 4K!! I may be wrong but i seem to recall that Ward Lock is not a person but the name of a publishing house. I may be wrong.

[@annmanson3515]

Bognor Regis is for a famous bathe machine attend. Mary Wheatley. She save a lot of lives. She also took a daily jump of the pier.

[@doodlesparklecleaning]

Very interesting and relaxing video thanks

[@RichardVobes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@deanmc178]

i still find it hard to believe that i cycled down there more than twice from crowborough,, 60 miles each way ..i was a very fit chap when i was 25..

[@welshmanjasonpatrick8607]

Very interesting place

[@undercoverfoodiecritic7901]

Love this

[@thinking-as-I-wander]

Wow.....4k is wonderful on my tv.

[@joangilday1298]

I really enjoyed this episode, Richard. Nice to see you walking again in the nice weather. You raised my curiosity, however, when you mentioned taking "bathing machines" out into the water. What is/was a bathing machine?

[@lindakane7771]

Just in case the BE doesnt get to respond to your question, here is a link and If you Google Bognor bathing machines images some great ones come up! www.messynessychic.com/2014/04/15/victorian-prudes-beachside-bathing-machines/

[@MrNas42]

little timber sheds on wheels, pretty much the same size as a 'portaloo' that could be hired and wheeled down the beach to the seashore in which you could undress in private and change into your all-covering bathing costume. No flesh was allowed on view in those days!

[@borderlands6606]

@@MrNas42 They were wheeled into the sea, so you could step straight into it and protect your modesty.

[@susanlukerceramics]

Lovely filming Richard, is that the 4g then? 👌😊 Good panning 🤗📹

[@gramps6718]

Looks like it’s 4K from now

[@juniajosh3858]

I like Bognor, though I only know it superficially. I should do more scouting there..

[@CosmicClaire99]

Thankyou for this video of dear old Bognor. I'm sorry to say but the Regis Centre is something I can't approve of! There used to be a marvellous Edwardian or late Victorian frontage rather like some of the apartments that are a bit further along, with domes and cast iron and glass verandah roofs over raised walkways (against occasional flooding) including a theatre where I saw a couple of bands in the early seventies. The Carlton Hotel is still there, back in 1967 it was 'The World's First Teenhotel'!! As another viewer has noted the building under renovation is the old Royal Hotel. A pity it is no longer a hotel, but at least it hasn't been knocked down and is being restored. My dad took the family there for scampi once as a treat in about 1967. Nearby is The Steyn which is a marvellous little street with a small park between the pier and the Royal Hotel, presumably there was some kind of spring or well after which it was named. Some of the old back streets still remain nearby. The Esplanade Theatre which was in front of the Royal Norfolk was sadly taken down in about 1980 or so which was very sad. When we lived in Nyewood we would walk down to the beach past the beautiful Marine Gardens and you could see the rocks from the seafront at low tide. I always remember there was one that looked like a cabin cruiser! But it was too far out even at low tide. Interesting to see the map of the rocks. Plenty more to see if you ever do a return visit. Hotham Park is nice (we always pronounced it 'Hottam', only visitors call it 'Hoth-am'! Like in Yorkshire locals call Masham Mas-ham, only visitors call it Mash-em!) The Arcade is still there inland from the Regis Centre. Go back and cover some more before it all gets redeveloped! We lost the marvellous Southdown bus station on the High Street, which they should have redeveloped retaining the old facade that was very Art Deco.

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks for the extra info - one can't get it all in a short video, and I am really only passing by with the border walk.

[@CosmicClaire99]

@@RichardVobes No worries Richard, so nice to be able to view the old place through your video :-)

[@hbuss12]

I go to uni in Bognor, so also live there, strange to see it being covered here

[@hardcheese6100]

Vobesy would have made an excellent red coat!

[@imranzazai7404]

Beautiful very beautiful.

[@LetsWanderuk]

I cannot find anything about that Fox Inn. I did notice on sunday that the waves were breaking in an unusual manner to the left of the pier at around where the low tide mark would of been at that time. Could you pop pictures of your guide onto your FB group?

[@RichardVobes]

It is indeed a strange footnote - but there do seem to be obscure references to the inn.

[@Ferda1964]

The jazz soundtrack sounds wonderful. Did you swap your van for a mustang ?

[@RichardVobes]

No, I still have the van - glad you liked the jazz.

[@SidBonkers51]

A couple of weeks ago Butlins announced the closure of their Bognor Regis park along with another at Minehead. www.butlins.com/help-contact/resort-updates I imagine the land will now be developed, more flats anyone?

[@RichardVobes]

Hi Sid, Thanks very much for the book on Chichester! Very kind.

[@SidBonkers51]

@@LS-mx1ge Yes your right, i heard it was closing on the radio news and then looked up that link for a source for my post, err, without actually reading it :( My apologies.