Old Postcards of Rustington

A Sample Collection of Old Postcards

Compiled by Peter Merrett

The Sea, frozen at Rustington in the 1920,s. It had certainly occurred before, particularly in 1907,and then more recently in 1963.

Our dog "Sheba"can be seen here on Rustington beach in 1963, when the frozen sea spray reached a depth of 1.5 Meters. Going on present weather trends, I don't think we will ever see this again.

The Sea Road, looking towards Rustington around the early 1930,s The Cafê survived the 1939/45 war, but was demolished along with the bungalow around the mid 1980s to make way for Emma Brook Court.

The Sea View Cafê was on the left hand corner of the road to Mewsbrook Park, Do we have the first example of Text Messaging here ? It was used by the troops as a canteen during the war but never re-opened afterwards. The Swimming Centre now stands on this site.

A lovely picture of Rustington Mill, at this time still just about working, It must be 1903-4 because Millfield Home is almost complete, although scaffolding is still visible.

The Sea Road from Littlehampton to Rustington, about 1905, Millfield Home in the distance, This road was frequently impassable in winter due to the inroads of the sea, just a narrow raised footpath on the left side helped to keep your feet dry.!

A particularly savage storm in March 1912 proved to be the end for Rustington Mill, already over one hundred years old. Much of the sea wall was washed away and the mill although not toppled was fatally wounded and demolished soon after, What an attraction it could have been today.

An unusual winter view of Sea Mill, taken from the beach to the south east, possibly just before the big storm of 1912.

The Southern Star Service Station, in the 1920,s on the corner of Sea Lane & Seafield Road, What price Petrol then I wonder.?

Sea Lane looking south, Postcard Postaly used in 1908, so it is reasonable to assume that the view is earlier than that, On the right is Hobbs Farm House, built in 1690, and Cudlow Farm and cottages on the left, A truly rural view.

Marigolds Hotel, photo taken prior to the 1939-45 war, for a small village, as Rustington was at this time, this was quite a prestigious residence, receiving guests from among the aristocracy of the time. However, like many other large residences around here it was commandeered by the military during the war, resulting in a serious fire.

This photo shows the result of the fire at the Marigolds Hotel whilst it was occupied by the military, causing the east wing to be demolished. It was however used as a hotel again after the war for ten years or so prior to demolition. There are now flats on the site.

Sea Lane, looking north toward the church, early 1900,s Cudlow Avenue has not yet been cut through on the centre right of the picture, Hobbs Farm is on the left hand side, Telephone poles are starting to appear.

The top end of Sea Lane looking south, Early 1950,s The church is hidden behind the trees on the left hand side, Owens Electrical shop on the right, is still trading in the village today, only from a different site.

A picture of Rustingtons first Post Office, probably taken early in the 1900,s at the top of Sea Lane, it seems that as well as a Post Office, the proprietor was a Baker and general provision merchant.

The Lamb Inn, on a Picture Postcard posted in 1909,the building looks quite new, The left hand side building was demolished in the 1950,s to enable the road to be widened, The message on the back of the card says " This is the place where Auntie gets her Stuff", I wonder if it did her any good!

Following on from the previous picture, this is the far right hand end of the Lamb Inn, proudly showing two model T Ford cars for hire, photo c 1920.

Rustington Church and the Lamb Inn, photo c 1930.

Date around 1920, showing Rustington Carnival Procession going past the church, Funds raised were donated to the cottage hospital in Littlehampton.

A lovely view of the Street, looking east, now nearly 100 years later, it is still possible to recognise this same view, On the left side of the picture with the little white gate, is Pound Cottage with the village Pound for stray cattle in front.

The picture says North Lane, it is in fact the Street, again looking East probably taken around 1920, Where the five bar gate is, now we have the Westcourt Surgery built in 1985.

Just over one hundred years ago this picture was taken, it shows the Street looking west, the Churchyard is through the little gate on the left and Church Farm Cottages on the right. The Postcard was postaly used in June 1903. The message on the back says " This is the blind newspaper man on his Tricycle and his Sister who delivers the papers".

A lovely photo from the early 1900`s taken by the entrance to the Old Manor House, and opposite the Lamb Inn. The telephone was becoming increasingly popular for business and the well to do. These men, probably employee's of the National Telephone Co., are erecting a new Telephone pole with the capacity for more lines, the original pole only catered for two lines.

This is about 1936, the year that I came to Rustington just a few months old. On the right are Church Farm Cottages, with the Rustington Hand Laundry. The little parade of shops further down has just been built, the Church on the left and an old white pre-cast concrete phone box.

This picture shows Vincent's grocery store, corner of the Street and Church Road in 1914. Bertram Vincent bought the site for £60, from local builder C J Drake, who then built house and shop combined for a further £690, Littlehampton Gas Co supplied and fitted the gas installations for nothing!