Hayling Island

A small, flat island of historic interest, surrounded by natural harbours and with fine sandy beaches, linked to the main land. Situated between Langstone and Chichester harbours and although only a small island.

William the Conqueror gave the island to the Abbey of Jumieges in Normandy, but the priory was destroyed in the 14^th century and although rebuilt it was in the 15^th century no longer in use.

The island is ringed by sandy beaches, and completely flat where in Hayling North was completely destroyed by fire in the 18^th century except for the Early English style church. The timber front porch is 15^th century, the font is 13^th century and the poppyhead pews are 14^th century. The churchyard is has many 18^th and 19^th century tombstones. On one it shows a wheatsheaf, another a sorrowing couple, and a third has this little tale: Ye Virgings fair your fading charms survey

She was what’er your tender hearts can say,

Let opening roses, drooping lilies tell,

Like these she bloomed, and ah! Like these she fell.

Hayling South is a busy village and the church is large and beautiful of the Early English style, and the east chancel has some fine 19^th century glass.