The Castle Inn, or Old Castle as it was sometimes known, is seen here looking south towards the George and Dragon in the distance. We think it was built around 1742 and traded as an inn from 1839.

We are of the opinion that it was in fact, two separate buildings that merged into one, which would provide a better ability to become an inn for travellers and locals alike.

The Norris family owned and ran the business for some 45 years, passing from one generation to another.

The last pint was pulled in 1911 when it was converted into a private house. Thankfully, the blue lamp outside was retained and adapted slightly.

Richard Norris Remembers

"Around 1860 Luke Norris takes over the running of the 'Castle Inn' from Frederick Street, who is a distant relation to Luke's wife Caroline. Luke died in about 1892. The Castle Inn is then ran by his son Alfred Charles Norris and his widow Caroline. Caroline died in 1902.

Alfred runs the Castle Inn until its closure in 1911 - the license is transferred to Thomas A Beckett which has just been completed. Alfred, who was also a Worthing Town Councillor, was instrumental in getting the Thomas A Beckett built, using his council influence."

This is the reason we think it was originally two neighbouring buildings. On the first floor we see what appears to be the roof beams of another structure, with the join between the two simply roofed over.

We were grateful to the owners at the time in 2014 for permission to have a private tour. A great deal of care and effort was given to preserve the interior, showing off its features to best advantage. As the owners said at the time, it was a voyage of discovery.

With respect to the then-owners, we limited published pictures to protect their privacy

It was thought that the front ground floor was divided into three sections, which would have been normal for the time, and typical for an inn.

At a later date, the centre section was removed. In order to support the thick wooden beams and floor above, two Victorian iron pillars were installed. One was cleverly hidden in a false wooden upright.

Notches in the beams show where the divides were originally. There is evidence of a removed staircase (not pictured). In an uncovered fireplace, there were traces of lime and straw construction.

In the back garden, there is a hand pump and later the discovery of a well, hidden by a repurposed gravestone.

The view from the back of the inn. The garden appears immense, which it was. It is thought that at one time it was home to a stable block.

At the far end stands another substantial building made of flint; this is probably a later replacement for the stables and is designed as a coach house.

The small building on the right is an outside toilet, not the original construction, but most likely in the right place back then.

 Time Line

A little bit extra

1839 - J Hide & Richard Tamplin
1851 - Frederick Street
1866 - 1890s Luke Norris
1894 Mrs Caroline Norris, wife of Luke
1905 - Alfred Norris, son of Luke
1911 - Licence transferred to Thomas A Becket pub

September 20, 1883: The men in the employ of Mr H Gardener, of Church Farm, were entertained to a harvest supper "of the old sort", at the Castle Inn on Saturday last, when forty-four sat down to an excellent repast supplied by the worthy host Mr Luke Norris.