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Thorney Island in Chichester Harbour

March 14, 2023

thorney island

Thorney Island is a peninsula situated in Chichester Harbour, separated from the mainland by the narrow channel known as The Great Deep. It's popular among walkers.

The island is a haven for wildlife with salt marsh, mudflats and sandflats. Much of the island is owned by the Ministry of Defence but managed for its ecological value.

The Abbey

Thorney Island Abbey, near Eye in the Fens, was established during the Saxon period and was one of five medieval abbeys in this region - along with Crowland, Ramsey, Peterborough Cathedral and Ely Cathedral.

In AD 972, St Aethelwold, Bishop of Winchester, founded Thorney Abbey with land acquired across Huntingdonshire to support its monastic community. Additionally, he provided them with relics from former anchorites and local saints such as Albinus of Thorney who was buried there.

From the 11th century until Henry VIII's reign, Westminster Abbey served as the hub of royal and religious life in England. It served as a site for coronations for all English monarchs since Edward the Confessor, as well as serving as a mausoleum to many royal families.

The Church of St Nicholas

The Church of St Nicholas on Thorney island is situated in West Thorney, the sole village on the island. Dating mostly from the late 12th century, it features Norman windows in its chancel and a tie-beam and kingpost roof structure.

The church is an impressive landmark to explore, dating back a very long time. The interior is quite stunning and you can view some interesting items inside such as some stunning ladger slabs.

The churchyard is an intriguing location, boasting numerous gravestones to admire. Some are quite old, featuring carvings such as skulls or crossed bones; others have been meticulously preserved with inscriptions written in early English.

The Beaches

Thorney Island is a peninsula located in Chichester Harbour that was once used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War. Nowadays, it's an attractive coastal walk with plenty of quiet beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities to enjoy.

Eastney Beach is a long, narrow pebble beach that offers spectacular views across the Solent to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. It's popular for swimming as well as water sports such as windsurfing or sailing.

West Hayling is the island's official windsurfing area and an ideal spot for walking. It's surrounded by sandbanks and dunes, creating habitat for many rare plant and animal species.

Climping (or Atherington) beach is one of Sussex's best-known and only beaches to feature sand dunes, making it popular with sand architects and dog walkers. Additionally, the spit connecting it to the mainland has been designated both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ramsar site.

The Boatyard

On the east side of Thorney island lies a small marina that attracts boat owners who appreciate the convenience of an on-site DIY boatyard. Here, experienced staff provide advice and services in areas such as electronics, painting, fibre glassing, rigging and sail repairs.

The marina is also a haven for wildlife, its ponds attracting various bird species and some migratory birds. At the end of your walk you'll come to a picnic area with views over the ponds and sea at its end.

Walking along the coast path around Thorney island is an idyllic way to experience a tranquil coastal environment, away from West Sussex's busy beaches. As you make your way around its perimeter with stunning views and plenty of opportunities for reflection, it can be easy to get lost in its peace and serenity.

Jason

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I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality.
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