Local Legends and Lunch
Not too much to say about the walk. It was perfect for our needs, but little of interest is passed as we navigate agricultural fields to Fishbourne and then head back along a tide-out coast.
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| Fishbourne's Duck Pond |
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| The Coastal Path.... |
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| .... Leads into Bosham |
And what an interesting place Bosham is. Full of myths and legends, some actually discovered during investigation of the two dominant structures - the church and the pub.
Legend 1 - A Roman Port
The area has been inhabited since Roman times and was once known as Magnus Portus (“great port”), as recorded in Ptolemy’s Geography. The Roman legacy includes remains like a temple, mosaic, theatre, and the remarkable “Bosham Head” — a huge stone sculpture likely of Emperor Trajan — now housed in Chichester museum.
Legend 2 - Anglo-Saxon & Ecclesiastical Beginnings
Bede noted that in 681 Bishop Wilfrid found a small monastery in Bosham led by Dicul, an Irish monk. A church followed in AD 850, and by the 10th century, the present Holy Trinity Church stood — built atop possible Roman remains. The church retains Saxon features in its lower tower and chancel and underwent expansions in Norman and later periods.
The church doors were open and full of tourists. What a special place;
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| Close up on Entry |
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| Rough-hewn stone walls and a crypt to investigate |
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| C11th Saxon Font |
Legend 3 - King Canute's Daughter
Legend says King Canute’s young daughter drowned in a nearby millstream and was buried in the church. In 1865, a small stone coffin was found in the nave, reviving this tale — though its authenticity remains uncertain.
Legend 4 - The Bosham Bell
One enduring legend tells of Danish pirates stealing the church’s tenor bell, only for it to break free at sea and sink the ship — it now lies in “Bell Hole” amid the harbour. Today, locals claim the bell’s muffled toll still answers the church bells during ringing. Bosham Sailing Club even features this bell imagery in its burgee, celebrating the legend.
Legend 5 - King Harold and the Bayeux Tapestry
Bosham features prominently in the Bayeux Tapestry, showing Harold (Earl of Wessex) riding to Bosham church in 1064 before his voyage to Normandy. His association with the village fuels speculation that he might be buried there; in 1954, alongside the child’s coffin, another coffin with a richly dressed man was found — but exhumation was refused in 2004.
With a recreation displayed on the Church Wall;
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| Eye Eye - It's King Harold |
Which leaves the pub. From the name alone, I had high hopes for the Anchor Bleu - from the pub sign, I would say named after a sailing vessel. It wears its 300-year history well, with low ceilings and flagged stone floors. Catering for lunch time foodies, we meet a rarity in British Hospitality. There are no sandwiches on the menu, but they check with the chef and we are offered a choice of three. Brilliant.
The only other surprise is that it's not in the Good Beer Guide. Four interesting and unusual cask ales - My Arundel Brewery Sussex Gold was in perfect condition. I can only assume the tide was out when the local CAMRA's were on the prowl.
In the end, we chose off the menu and Mrs M - of notoriously high lunch standards - declared it the best quiche she had ever tasted.
A fitting end to our last "proper" walk from our week's base in Hayling Island.
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| How could you not fall in love? |
Walk Details
Distance - 5.25 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks for Motorists, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Walk 25
