From Kelly’s Post Office Directory of Essex, Herts, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, 1867
SIDLESHAM is a large parish, in the Western division of the county, hundred of Manhood, West Hampnett union, Chichester rape, county court district, diocese and archdeaconry, and rural deanery of Boxgrove, bounded on the east by Pagham Harbour and Hunston, on the west by Earnley and Birdham, on the north by Donnington, and on the south by Selsey. The village is near the south-eastern boundary of the parish, on the road from Pagham Harbour to Chichester, and 5 miles from that city. Here is a large tidal mill, worked by means of the great estuary which flows into Sidlesham by Pagham Harbour from the sea: this estuary was occasioned, several centuries ago, by a sudden irruption of the sea at Pagham, by which 2,700 acres of land were devastated: the mill is capable of grinding two loads of wheat per hour: small vessels ride at anchor close to its wharf, and an extensive coasting trade from it is carried on. The church of St. Mary is an ancient edifice, in the Early English style, with square tower, 2 bells, chancel, and nave. The register dates from 1566. The living is a vicarage, value £182 per annum, exclusive of glebe, in the gift of the Bishop of Chichester, and held by the Rev. William Bruton, B.A., of Exeter College, Oxford. Area 4,109 acres; the population in 1861 was 960.
Parish Clerk, William Tadd.
POST & MONEY ORDER OFFICE & POST OFFICE SAVINGS. BANK.- William Stevens, receiver. Letters arrive from Chichester at 8.30 a.m.; dispatched at 4.40 p.m.
INSURANCE AGENT.- Liverpool & London & Globe Fire & Life, Richard Cock, Selsey
Parish School, George Earwicker, master
CARRIERS:-
CHICHESTER:- John Faith, daily, to ‘White Horse’
SELSEY carriers also pass through
PRIVATE RESIDENTS.
Arnell Mr. John, Ham
Boorn Mr. Joseph, Keynor farm
Boorn Miss, Keynor farm
Bruton Rev. William, B.A. Vicarage
Halsey Mrs.
Hobgen Mrs.
Hobgen Mr. Henry
Rusbridge Miss
Rusbridge Mrs. Thomas
Towes Mrs
Wood Mr. George, Highley
COMMERCIAL.
Apps James, shoe maker
Apps John, baker
Atkey Edward George, farmer, Highley
Aylwin William, farmer, Chalder’s farm
Beacher William, shopkeeper
Boorn Joseph, farmer, Keynor farm
Cardy Edmund, shoe maker
Carwicker John, beer retailer
Fogden George, farmer, Ham
Fogden William, farmer
Francis John, blacksmith, Almodington
Harris John, baker
Henson Noah, farm bailiff
Hoare Charles, florist
Hoare James, blacksmith
Hoare Joseph, blacksmith
Hobgen Herbert, farmer, Hocust farm
Hobgen Thomas, farmer, Mapsoms
James Charles, farmer
Jeffery John, beer retailer
Kiln John, miller, Sidlesham mill
Napper John, blacksmith
Norgate William, wheelwright
Pearce Nelson, farmer, Greenwood
Prior William, Crab & Lobster
Pryer Mary (Mrs.), shopkeeper
Ransom Thomas, jun. shopkeeper
Richards Richard, dealer in stock
Rusbridge Richard, carpenter
Rusbridge Thomas, builder
Rusbridge William. farmer
Sharp George, Anchor
Stevens George & Walter, farmers
Stevens William & Sons, brewers, maltsters, linen drapers, grocers & butchers (established 1823)
Towes William & James, farmers
Wakeford Thos. farmer, Almodington
Wilkins William, smack owner
Woolven John Hellyer, beer retailer