DUKE SELLS TOWN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 208, 2 September 1931, Page 7

DUKE SELLS TOWN.

London Firm Buys Nearly All Littlehampton. A SURPRISE DEAL. (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, July 21. The Duke of Norfolk, who is owner of nearly the whole of the Sussex resort of Littlehampton, has disposed of his interest in the property to Percy Har- J vey (Sales), Ltd., land agents, of Moor- j gate Station Chambers, E.C. The purchase price has not been disclosed. It is understood that the Duke’s action is the result of heavy taxation.] News of the sale, which became known in Littlehampton to-day, came as a great surprise to the inhabitants, who are not without anxiety as to the effect which the change of ownership will have on the town. The only properties in Littlehampton which did not change hands over the week-end are the grounds surrounding St Catharine’s Catholic Church, the Beach Hotel, Surrey House and YY T ick Farm, which did not belong to the Duke. Council’s Anxiety. A deputation consisting of the whole of the members of the Littlehampton Council waited on the Duke at Arundel to ascertain the precise effect of the transaction, and a special meeting of the council has since been held in camera. From the council’s point of view' the transaction may be a serious one. It means that the common adjoining the seafront, which by consent of the Duke has been under their jurisdiction, may pass from their control. The kiosks on the common are the property of the council, and they also hold a lease of the foreshore expiring in 1934. The council have also been in negotiation with the new owners, and have been informed that no offer for the green can be entertained unless it also includes the foreshore. Littlehampton has always been a popular resort for children. The two sons of Lord Harewood and Princess Mary have spent their holidays there. Owner of 50,000 Acres. The Duke of Norfolk, who came of age two years ago, is the Premier Duke, Hereditary Earl Marshal, and Chief Butler of England. He succeeded to the title, created in 1483 and one of the oldest in England, on the death of his father, the fifteenth Duke of Norfolk, in 1917. He ow'ns about 50,000 acres of land, and, therefore, ranks as one of the biggest landowners in the country. It is only just a year ago, July 22, 1930, that Norfolk House, St James’s Square, the home of eight successive Dukes of Norfolk, the birthplace of George 111., and one of the finest examples of the Georgian period in London, was offered for sale by auction. A bid of £250,000 was offered and refused for the property. The Duke also owns Arundel Castle, in Sussex, from which he takes his second title of Earl of Arundel, created in 1139; Derwent Hall, Derbyshire; and Beech Hill, Sheffield.