Bibliography - Philip MacDougall
Bibliography Home

The Story of Chichester, by Philip MacDougall, published 18 November 2004 (224 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0750937602 & ISBN-13: 9780750937603) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

Sussex Timber and the Royal Dockyards. Part 1: The Supply Process, by Philip MacDougall, published Autumn 2005 in West Sussex History, the Journal of West Sussex Archives Society (no. 74, article, p.3) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16404/74] & The Keep [LIB/500498]

Sussex Timber and the Royal Dockyards. Part 2: The Cause of a National Problem, by Philip MacDougall, published Autumn 2006 in West Sussex History, the Journal of West Sussex Archives Society (no. 75, article, p.42) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16404/75] & The Keep [LIB/500499]

Traffic Lights and a Lot of Prudence: the design and construction of RAF Thorney, 1936-45, by Philip MacDougall, published Autumn 2007 in West Sussex History, the Journal of West Sussex Archives Society (no. 76, article, p.38) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16404/76] & The Keep [LIB/500500]

The Aviation Memorials of West Sussex, by Philip MacDougall, published Autumn 2007 in West Sussex History, the Journal of West Sussex Archives Society (no. 76, article, p.62) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16404/76] & The Keep [LIB/500500]

Bosham: a key Anglo-Saxon harbour, by Philip MacDougall, published 2009 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 147, article, pp.51-60) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 17254] & The Keep [LIB/500365] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Evidence from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle demonstrates the existence of a substantial fleet of ships possessed by the Godwine family during the early eleventh century. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle further reveals that the port area for these ships was that of the waters of Chichester Harbour while specifically mentioning the Manor of Bosham. This article explores this evidence while examining the necessary extent of such facilities and their possible exact location. In particular, the site of a likely protected harbour is indicated together with additional areas that might have hosted facilities for the building, maintenance and winter protection of this fleet. It is also noted that it was this same fleet that came into possession of Harold Godwine, the last Saxon king of England.

Chichester: Murders and Misdemeanours, by Philip MacDougall, published 10 January 2009 (128 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1848682085 & ISBN-13: 9781848682085) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

A look at the dark side of life, Victorian-style, when nothing was quite as it seemed and a public execution could be an entertaining family day out. Murderers, poachers, thieves, pickpockets and vagabonds all went about their business with impunity. Crime took place on the streets, on public transport, in homes, pubs, prisons, asylums, workhouses and brothels - it was all part of everyday life in Chichester in the late 1800s. It was madness and mayhem in those weird and wonderful times

Despite its lurid title, the seven stories in this book reveal some fascinating details of social history, from early nineteenth century to post-World War II Chichester. The two earliest incidents, the trial and execution in 1818 of John Holloway for the murder of Thomas Parr, and Emery Spriggs' shooting of his wife Rebecca in 1830 are recounted against the background of social conditions of the times, for instance the presence of large numbers of redundant soldiers following the end of war with France, with terrible living conditions and little to do but drink, and rural unrest due to agricultural unemployment in the 1830s. Another theme is the development of modern policing organisation and methods, illustrated by the history of Chichester's traditional October Sloe Fair; in the account of the tragic murder of eleven year old Vera Hoad in 1924; and of Ellen Harding's trial and acquittal in 1936 for the murder of her baby son. More success was achieved by the time of the Second World War, in solving three of four murders committed in the area between 1941 and 1944, mostly involving service personnel. The final story deals with the mysterious disappearance of Commander Crabb in 1956, and the unsatisfactory identification of a partial body found in 1957 in Chichester Harbour.
The book is well referenced to primary sources such as local press reports and to archives and secondary sources. Some may disagree with the use of invented dialogue (particularly in the first chapter), and there are unfortunate slips such as spelling 'formerly' meaning 'formally'. There is no index, but the stories are illuminated by frequent black and white illustrations. Such scenes may still be witnessed in the pleasant streets of Chichester, as highlighted by local press reports, providing much to interest future historians.

Chidham, Hambrook and Nutbourne, a Social History, by Philip MacDougall, published 2010 (published by the author) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Chichester Through Time, by Philip MacDougall, published 7 January 2011 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445604639 & ISBN-13: 9781445604633) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Chichester is a city with an unbroken history that stretches back to Roman times or earlier. Its main city streets follow the original pattern laid out almost two thousand years ago while the buildings that line many of those streets, when not medieval in origin, most frequently date to Georgian or Victorian times. The changing use of these structures and the activities of their occupiers is the theme that runs through this book. In making direct comparisons between past and present it has been possible to succinctly demonstrate altered habits in shopping, entertainment and travel together with changes that have been imposed on many of the buildings of the area.

This full colour paperback brings history and memories to life. For long term residents of Chichester the photographs will take them on a nostalgic journey and for newer residents show them how the area has changed during the past 100 years. There is a wonderful collection of old and new photographs with the older images printed alongside a contemporary full colour photograph.

Chichester: Then & Now, by Philip MacDougall, published 1 September 2012 (96 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752471422 & ISBN-13: 9780752471426) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

As one of England's most ancient settlements, Chichester has seen a lot of change over its lifetime of over two thousand years, developing through Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman rule into the cathedral City we all know today. Chichester Then & Now compares historical images of the city with their modern equivalents, unveiling astounding survivals, unfortunate losses, and exciting new developments that are sure to capture the interest of anyone interested in the history of England, and of those who know and love Chichester. Philip MacDougall has lived in the Chichester area since 2000. He is a member of Southbourne Parish Council, and edits West Sussex History, an annual journal published through West Sussex Records Office. His previous publications for The History Press include A Century of Chatham and The Story of Chichester.

Another publication by the History Press compares historical images of the city with their modern equivalents, unveiling astounding survivals, unfortunate losses and exciting new developments. Anyone interested in the history of England will enjoy the excellent colour photographs of new and old Chichester with informative text on each. One of England's most ancient settlements, it has seen many changes over its lifetime of over 2,000 years, developing through Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman rule.

Chichester: History Tour, by Philip MacDougall, published 15 October 2015 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445654385 & ISBN-13: 9781445654386) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Chichester History Tour is a unique insight into the illustrious history of this famous West Sussex town. This is an exciting guided walk around the town, its well-known places and hidden corners, and explains what they meant to local people throughout the nineteenth and into the twentieth century. Readers are invited to follow a timeline of events and watch the changing face of Chichester as Philip MacDougall walks us through its streets.

Secret Chichester, by Philip MacDougall, published 15 February 2016 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445650398 & ISBN-13: 9781445650395) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

How much do you really know about Chichester and its long and ancient history? You probably know about the cathedral's fake medieval tower, but do you know where to find the one time location of its eight medieval churches, the city gaol or the house with connections to the Indian mutiny? Do you know where the earliest map of the city is to be found, laid out in cold stone? Maybe also, you might not know that Chichester was once the unhealthiest city in the country, or nearly so, and that one of its former MPs was the first to die in a railway fatality. On the lighter side, do you know about the Chichester sausage, the underground toilets that never were or the city's resident English Eagle? In this very different approach to Chichester's history, the author blends the serious with the not so serious, seeking out an unusual approach to some known topics while dwelling on the lesser known and humorous.