Publications
Haunted Worthing, by Wendy Hughes, published 6 September 2010 (96 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752456164 & ISBN-13: 9780752456164) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This collection of phantoms, ghouls and spirits contains new and well-known spooky tales from Worthing and its environs. Featuring the 8ft-monk reading his prayer book, the young girl whose hair is stroked by an unseen hand, the two child-like figures caught on security cameras, the famous musician who frequented his last home and the painting that weeps salty tears, these tales will leave you chilled to the bone. Also included are the mysterious historical sites of Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring and Arundel Castle, which attract ghouls and curious ghost hunters in equal measure. This collection of spine-tingling tales is guaranteed to entertain and spook anyone interested in Worthing's ghostly history.
Shipwrecks of Sussex, by Wendy Hughes, published 1 June 2011 (160 pp., The Histroy Press, ISBN-10: 0752460102 & ISBN-13: 9780752460109) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Exploring the shipwrecks of the Sussex coast, from the 1600s to the present day
Review by Ed Jarzembowski in Sussex Past & Present no. 125, December 2011:Disaster at sea has an enduring appeal. Writing a history book on shipwrecks on and off the Sussex coast is, however, a daunting task because there are so many, as highlighted here. A selection is inevitable, and the author has accomplished this in ten comparatively short, racy and readable chapters. Accounts of older shipwrecks are hampered by a shortage of documentary records and the Nympha Americana's 1747 mercury cargo is about as near as we get to sunken treasure. This is the first time I have read, however, about the loss of the Ptolemanus (1797) and the Tidemills Temptress (page 45), but am still left wondering if vessels were once deliberately lured onto the Sussex coast by the locals.
The bulk of the book deals with diverse wrecks and strandings from the 19th and 20th centuries. In many cases, recorded people can be linked with events and artefacts on what are, after all, time capsules. Shipwrecks have even inspired street names, although I am surprised at the omission of Woodward Close, Eastbourne, surely commemorating a musician on the Titanic (1912). There are some unexpected legacies, like the painted ivory nuts from the Peruvian (1899), and I must try the beer using yeast from an unnamed Littlehampton wreck.
In the background are significant changes in contemporary trade, technology and society. There are some typos (e.g. picture caption page 75) but I love the image of an iron steamship being reduced to matchwood (page 66). This is a perfect read in the middle of winter when it is dark and gusty outside, but unlike my wife Brigid, I hope I never hear the unforgettable thumping of a grounded sailing ship (Eendracht, 1998, page 94).
The bulk of the book deals with diverse wrecks and strandings from the 19th and 20th centuries. In many cases, recorded people can be linked with events and artefacts on what are, after all, time capsules. Shipwrecks have even inspired street names, although I am surprised at the omission of Woodward Close, Eastbourne, surely commemorating a musician on the Titanic (1912). There are some unexpected legacies, like the painted ivory nuts from the Peruvian (1899), and I must try the beer using yeast from an unnamed Littlehampton wreck.
In the background are significant changes in contemporary trade, technology and society. There are some typos (e.g. picture caption page 75) but I love the image of an iron steamship being reduced to matchwood (page 66). This is a perfect read in the middle of winter when it is dark and gusty outside, but unlike my wife Brigid, I hope I never hear the unforgettable thumping of a grounded sailing ship (Eendracht, 1998, page 94).
Not a guide to Worthing, by Wendy Hughes, published 1 January 2013 (128 pp., The Histroy Press, ISBN-10: 0752476513 & ISBN-13: 9780752476513) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Worthing: Not a Guide delves into the heart of this coastal town, taking the reader on a tour of its street names and their origins, its building disasters, its connections with the theatre, the biggest, the oldest, the infamous Salvation Riots and the Bonfire Boys, as well its fishing and smuggling connections. This book also examines the more unusual monuments of the town, such as the pigeon memorial, it famous plaques and inscriptions, its famous characters, its royal visits, the freemen of the borough, and its literary connections. If you thought you knew Worthing, think again. This is a book you can dip into time and time again and is guaranteed to interest everyone from the oldest inhabitant to the casual holidaymaker.
Review by John Wickens in Sussex Family Historian vol. 20 no. 8, December 2013:As a resident of Worthing since 1971 I found this book of great interest. It contains a wealth of facts and figures about the town with well chosen black & white photos. It includes details of many notable residents and the origins of some street names. Whilst much of the information may not be 'new', what this book does is to provide concise well researched, well presented history of Worthing back to the Neolithic era. It comes bang up to date by mentioning the opening of the new Splash Point swimming pool in May this year. Wendy Hughes is a seasoned local author.