In the early 1800s Bognor relied on local wells for water.
It was not until 1874 that the Bognor Water Company was formed by local businessmen.
Their first source was a well and borehole in London Road.
After tests a tower was built alongside, finally completed in 1879. However, it was not long before residents began to complain of a salty taste to the water and saline intrusion from the sea was confirmed by samples taken in 1881.
 
 
 
 
 
Following unsuccessful attempts to find a new source at South Bersted, Merston, Mundham and Drayton, the Company was finally successful at a site near Fontwell, although not without initial problems.
A well and borehole was sunk in 1893 and produced a very limited amount of water but they then sunk another well only 19 feet away. Remarkably they found a copious amount of water in this well which is still in use today. . 2020
 

Built in 1864 of mainly wood with just one canopy 550ft in length for shelter.
On 29 September 1899, fire was seen bursting through the station roof. In spite of the efforts of the fire brigade, the station was destroyed except for a small part of the lamp room.
In 1902 the new building was opened at a cost of £37,000.
It contained a parcels office, large booking hall, refreshment room, first-floor residence for the stationmaster and a large clock tower.
 

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