St Andrew's Church - The Saxon church of St Andrew was almost certainly of timber, replaced in 1100 by a sturdy stone and timber building which stood up well to occasional gales and was untouched by Nazi bombing in 1940. Sadly, a freak storm in October 2003 brought a lightning strike which ripped the spire, damaged the roof and caused devastation inside the church.
  
Repairs are still underway, but the restored church will be better adapted to modern worship. In 1341 King Edward II granted the new Archbishop of Canterbury the right to hold a fair at Tangmere on St Andrew's day. This event is held by the church every autumn.
Who owned Tangmere? - The Manor of Tangmere was owned by a range of dignitaries – firstly the Archbishop of Canterbury until 1542, when Henry VIII claimed possession, passing later to Cardinal Archbishop Pole and then to the Crown again, being granted by Elizabeth I to Richard Baker and Sir Richard Sackville. – a cousin of Anne Boleyn.
In 1579 Tangmere became part of the Halnaker estate. This was acquired by the 3rd Duke of Richmond who succeeded to his title at the age of 15, inheriting 1,100 acres. When he died in 1806, the Goodwood estates, including Tangmere, totaled 17,000 acres.
The Duke was notably Master General of the Ordnance, and began the ordnance survey that we know today. He commissioned detailed maps of his estates, now in Sussex Record Office. Goodwood maintained ownership of Tangmere land until the 1930's.
The Railway - from Chichester to Ford opened in 1846, connecting with main line to London . The station was at Drayton. After World War I the station was closed.
A National Society Village School - was opened in 1850. This had closed by 1900, and the new school opened in 1956.
Village life 100 years ago - When the Census of 1901 was put onto the internet, Tangmere Local History Group began a detailed study of life in the village at the end of the Victorian era. This is being compiled and will be available on this site in due course. The Local History Group regularly meet and welcome new members.
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