BattlefieldsChichester Harbour — Coastal Watch and Defences 1545
Tudor

Chichester Harbour — Coastal Watch and Defences 1545

1545
Sussex, England
Also known as: Chichester harbour defence 1545 · Chichester coastal watch French 1545
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Bosham and Emsworth watches
VS
Victor
England (crown)
Forces
West Sussex militia covering Chichester harbour channels
Outcome
Chichester harbour entrance watched and defended during the 1545 French operations; militia deployed around the vast natural harbour to prevent any French landing using the channel
The Battle

History & Significance

Chichester harbour, one of the largest natural harbours on the south coast, was watched during the 1545 crisis because its size and multiple channels made it a potential anchorage for a French force. The harbour had no major fortification comparable to the Device Forts and its defence relied entirely on militia forces covering the various entrance channels. The experience of 1545 contributed to later calls for proper harbour fortification.

Casualties & Losses

None

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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