Littlehampton established as a medieval port

c. 1200

By the thirteenth century, Littlehampton was functioning as a port for the export of wool, fish and agricultural produce, and the import of goods from the continental ports. The harbour at the river mouth served the hinterland accessible via the navigable Arun, including the market town of Arundel. The port's trade was modest compared to the major south coast harbours, but it sustained the local economy and connected the Arun valley to the wider trading world.