Welcome to Worthing

Worthing is located on the south coast of England, in the county of West Sussex, approximately 55 miles south of London and 14 miles west of Brighton.

The town has a population of around 98,500. Administratively it is within the Borough of Worthing which covers an area of approximately 32 sq kms.

Until the late 18th-century it was a small fishing village when a visit by King George III's daughter, Princess Amelia, led to its development as a fashionable resort. Today it is the largest town in the county and a popular seaside destination with good retail, entertainment and leisure facilities. There are some notable historic buildings, as well as nearby pre-historic sites, and it is a good base from which to explore the South Downs.

The town's history dates back to Saxon times when it was just a hamlet. However, it was the site of a large-scale flint factory in the Stone Age. Worthing's fortunes changed during the 18th century when people believed that bathing in salt water could cure disease. Wealthy people began to visit the seaside, and Worthing began to develop after a visit from Princess Amelia in 1798 and Princess Charlotte in 1807. Other wealthy visitors followed, and the town grew rapidly during the early 19th century.The town's first Pier opened in 1862, but was replaced in 1889. In 1890 the town received its Charter and became the Borough of Worthing. The town was also a smuggling centre during the 18th and early 19th centuries. During World War Two, 44 people were killed during air raids, and 97 houses were destroyed.

Historically the town's economy was based upon fishing and agriculture but today tourism is the main industry.

The name Worthing means 'belonging to Weoro's people' and refers to a Saxon leader who had a settlement on this site.