Main contributor: James L. Tanner
The beach at Worthing, West Sussex

West Sussex County was officially formed in 1889 when the historical county of Sussex was divided into East Sussex and West Sussex under the Local Government Act of 1888.[1] However, the boundaries were further refined in 1974 with the Local Government Act 1972, solidifying the separate ceremonial counties of East Sussex and West Sussex.[2] West Sussex is a county in the South East Region of England with Hampshire is to the west, Surrey is to the north, East Sussex to the east and the English Channel with its beaches to the south.[3]

West Sussex is governed as a contemporary administrative county with the exception of a small area in the north encompassing Gatwick Airport, which historically falls within Surrey, The administrative structure of West Sussex comprises seven districts: Adur, Arun, Chichester, Horsham, and Mid Sussex, in addition to the boroughs of Crawley and Worthing. Chichester serves as the administrative center for the county.[4]

The population of West Sussex is 892,336 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the ONS. West Sussex's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.8% per year. West Sussex covers an area of 1,991 square kilometres (769 square miles) and has a population density of 448 people per square kilometre (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.[5]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in West Sussex is predominantly white (91%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 9% of the population.[5] The county is home to several pharmaceutical companies, contributing to the development and production of medicines.[6]

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West Sussex landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsWest Sussex landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

The South Downs, a range of chalk hills, traverse the county in an east-west orientation, culminating in dramatic sea cliffs at Beachy Head. The northern escarpment of the Downs marks a sharp transition to the heavy clay and sandy soils of the Weald, while the southern slopes descend gradually towards the English Channel. South of Chichester, a fertile coastal plain expands into the level promontory of Selsey Bill, where ongoing coastal erosion has resulted in a dynamic shoreline. East of Beachy Head, in the southeastern portion of the county, lie the reclaimed marshlands of Pevensey Levels, historically significant as a point of entry into Britain. Further east along the coast, another series of cliffs extends past Hastings.[7]

The Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles industry is the largest in West Sussex based on the number of jobs, accounting for 15.8% of roles in the area.[8] There is also a growing presence of technology companies, particularly in areas such as software development and digital services.[9]

West Sussex is home to one of the UK‟s most important horticultural clusters, producing salad crops (including tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and aubergines), vegetables, soft fruit (including strawberries and raspberries) herbs, cut flowers, containerized/pot plants and hardy nursery stock that are sold throughout the country.[10]

South Downs National Park is a landscape rich in folklore and legend that has inspired generations of writers, artists and storytellers. 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield is the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history - the 1066 Battle of Hastings, The Chichester Festival Theatre is one of England’s most striking theaters – the perfect stage for epic drama and musicals. Wakehurst is Kew's wild botanic garden with over 500 acres of ornamental gardens, ancient woodlands and a nature reserve. The magnificent 940-year-old Chichester Cathedral is a living church with a spire that dominates the horizon for miles around. St Mary's House and Gardens is an enchanting historic 15th century timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber, West Sussex.

West Sussex historyWest Sussex history

Archaeological evidence reveals human presence in West Sussex dating back to the Paleolithic era. Flint tools and other artifacts found at sites like Boxgrove Quarry, one of the oldest hominin sites in Europe, offer glimpses into the lives of early hunter-gatherers. The Neolithic period saw the development of agriculture and the construction of monumental structures like the Trundle, a causewayed enclosure,[11] and the Long Man of Wilmington, a mysterious chalk figure carved into the hillside. The Bronze and Iron Ages brought further advancements in technology and social organization, with hillforts such as Cissbury Ring and the Devil's Dyke dominating the landscape, testaments to increasing competition and warfare.[12]

The Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD brought significant changes to the region of West Sussex. The Romans established a network of roads, including Stane Street, which connected Chichester (Noviomagus Reginorum), a significant Roman town, to Greater London. Roman villas, like Fishbourne Palace, a grand residence showcasing the wealth and sophistication of the Roman elite, dotted the countryside.[13]

However, Roman influence waned in the 5th century, and the Anglo-Saxon migration began.[14] The Kingdom of Sussex, derived from the Old English Sūþseaxe meaning "South Saxons," was established, gradually absorbing the remaining Romano-British population.

The Anglo-Saxon period saw the development of a distinct identity for the region. Christianity arrived,[15] and impressive churches like the cathedral at Chichester were built. The Domesday Book, commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest of 1066, provides a valuable snapshot of land ownership and society in West Sussex.[16] The medieval period witnessed the growth of towns like Arundel, with its imposing castle, and the rise of monastic institutions like the priory at Lewes. Agriculture flourished, and the wool trade brought prosperity to the region.  

The 16th century brought the Reformation, which significantly impacted religious life in West Sussex. Monasteries were dissolved, and the Church of England established.[17] The 17th century was a turbulent period, marked by the English Civil Wars.[18] West Sussex saw divided loyalties, with some supporting the Royalists and others the Parliamentarians. Arundel Castle changed hands during the conflict.[19] The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw James II replaced by William and Mary, had a significant impact on West Sussex, as it did on the rest of the country.[20]

The 18th century was a period of significant economic and social change. The burgeoning of trade and industry led to the growth of coastal towns like Brighton, which began their transformation into fashionable seaside resorts.[21] Agriculture continued to be important, and improvements in farming techniques led to increased productivity.[22] The development of turnpike roads improved transportation and facilitated trade.[23]

The 19th century witnessed the Industrial Revolution and its profound impact on West Sussex. The railway arrived, transforming transportation and connecting the region to the rest of the country.[4] Coastal resorts like Brighton and Worthing continued their rapid growth, attracting visitors from across Britain.[4] Agriculture underwent further modernization, and new industries, such as brickmaking, developed. The brick Ouse Valley Railway Viaduct, was designed by John Rastrick and David Mocatta, it was built between 1839 and 1841.[24] The 19th century presented significant socioeconomic challenges for the county of Sussex. Approximately 23% of the population lived below the poverty line, resulting in the highest rates of poor relief in England. Agricultural laborers faced particularly precarious circumstances, experiencing either wage stagnation or outright unemployment, with concomitant hardship. These dire conditions contributed to social unrest, culminating in public disturbances.[25]

The 20th century brought two World Wars, which had a significant impact on West Sussex. The region played a vital role in the war effort, and many lives were lost.[26] The post-war period saw significant social and economic changes, including the development of new towns and the expansion of existing ones. The rise of the service sector and the decline of traditional industries have shaped the modern economy of West Sussex.[4]

West Sussex parishes and unparished areasWest Sussex parishes and unparished areas

There are 158 parishes in West Sussex.[27] The unparished areas primarily include the former urban districts of Crawley, Worthing, and Southwick, part of Adur and part of Horsham, meaning these areas are not governed by a specific parish council, while most other areas within the county are divided into individual parishes with their own local governance.[27]

West Sussex geographyWest Sussex geography

West Sussex is geographically located within the traditional county of Sussex.[4] The county of Sussex is characterized by three primary, east-west trending geographical sub-regions. The southern portion of the county is comprised of a fertile, densely populated narrow coastal plain[28] with a gently sloping coastline, featuring wide bays and the prominent Selsey Bill headland. Adjacent to this plain, to the north, lie the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs.[29] Further north, the landscape transitions into the heavily wooded region known as the Sussex Weald.[30]

Researching family history in West SussexResearching family history in West Sussex

The West Sussex County Council website has a dedicated Family History section that is part of their History and Heritage section. The West Sussex County Council also has a unique House History section. The West Sussex Libraries has a helpful Family History Resources web page. The Sussex Family History Group was founded in 1972. It presently has about 3500 members in Sussex, the rest of the UK, and around the world. The West Sussex Record Office has a detailed Family History web site.

Ethnicities in West SussexEthnicities in West Sussex

The demographic distribution of the West Sussex population is as follows:[5]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in West Sussex is predominantly white (91.0%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 9.0% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in West Sussex accounting for 4.3% of the population.11,429 or 1% of the West Sussex population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in West Sussex, 2021 census

  • White - 803,516 people or 91.0%
  • Asian - 38,288 people or 4.3%
  • Mixed - 20,811 people or 2.4%
  • Black - 11,429 people or 1.3%
  • Other - 8,626 people or 1.0%

Surnames in West SussexSurnames in West Sussex

The demographic distribution of West Sussex surnames is as follows:[31]

Surname Incidence Frequency
Smith 9,246 1:91
Jones 5,319 1:158
Brown 4,682 1:180
Taylor 4,320 1:195
Williams 4,030 1:209
White 3,175 1:265
Harris 2,813 1:299
Edwards 2,793 1:302
Martin 2,660 1:317
Johnson 2,600 1:324

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 425 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

  1. Horsfield. The History, Antiquities and Topography of the County of Sussex. Volume II. Appendix pp. 23–75.
  2. Local government restructuring - Office for National Statistics
  3. West Sussex – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 West Sussex | England, Map, Population, & Facts | Britannica
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 West Sussex Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing
  6. List of Pharmaceuticals Companies In West Sussex In 2025
  7. Sussex | England, Map, Location, & History | Britannica
  8. West Sussex Economy | Labour Market & Industries
  9. Top 10+ IT Companies in West Sussex (2025) - TechBehemoths
  10. Growing Together
  11. The Trundle
  12. West Sussex Prehistoric sites Gazetteer, West Sussex Travel Guide
  13. Roman Sussex
  14. Our Migration Story: The Making of Britain
  15. Early Christianity in Sussex
  16. The Domesday Book Online - Home
  17. Dissolution of the Monasteries
  18. The English Civil Wars: History and Stories
  19. Castle history - Arundel Castle & Gardens
  20. Glorious Revolution of 1688 ‑ Definition & Summary
  21. Seaside in West Sussex - Historical background
  22. Victorian West Sussex
  23. Modern Sussex | Eighteenth Century | London, UK
  24. The History of Brick Building in England
  25. A brief history of Sussex - Made Simple Media
  26. Great War West Sussex 1914-18
  27. 27.0 27.1 Local democracy
  28. Curating the Palaeolithic: West Sussex Coastal Plain Case Study | Historic England
  29. South Downs National Park Trust
  30. Sussex Weald
  31. Most Common Surnames in West Sussex, With Meanings
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