Comfortably situated on the south coast of England, the seaside town of Bognor Regis is a loved location by its residents and visitors. Originally named only 'Bognor' until the eighteenth century, Bognor Regis' beginnings lay in fishing (and, according to some sources, smuggling), until it eventually became a resort not long after. Tourism began to gain momentum in Bognor, as it was still known, during the nineteenth century, and it was a very popular destination with the current king at the time, King George V. King George's affection for the area led to the addition of the suffix to the town, and the King granted the new name of Bognor Regis. Bognor Regis' wonderful town centre has many shops that still hold firm links with the past, and the culture does not stop there, with the annual music and arts festival, along with the regular events taking place at the town's theatre and cinema. Local enthusiast Vanessa Mills charts this area's wonderful history and provides an insight into the key attractions that still have such an impact of the town today.

Author Biography

Vanessa Mills is a well-known local historian whose family has lived in Bognor and the surrounding area for several centuries. She served as Chairman of the Bognor Regis Local History Society for four years and wrote the column Bygone BognorA" for the Bognor Regis Observer for eight years. Vanessa's five-year term with the Bognor Regis Town Council culminated with her becoming Mayor in 1998. She currently runs a successful express freight company with her husband, Clive. They have two sons, Ben and Alex.