Wind and fire wrecked old station

But the 19th century also witnessed turbulent conditions and in the 1890s when Bognor railway station experienced the full force of the elements.

Built in 1864 for the opening of the branch line from Barnham to Bognor, the station was far from the grand brick building we know today.

It was mainly wooden and the shelter consisted of one canopy 550ft in length '“ hardly a fitting structure to greet the growing number of holidaymakers to the town.

The station was frequently the subject of complaint from the local business community, which felt a more imposing structure was demanded.

In 1892 it seemed their wish had come true for during the winter the station was struck by high winds and the canopy collapsed.

However, much to the dismay of the local populace, the railway company simply rebuilt the structure.