Hewitt's History Files

It certainly made a big impression on Miss Monamy Beryl Buckell, the youngest daughter of Dr E H Buckell, a Chichester GP who practiced from West Pallant.

Chichester historian Leslie Holden corresponded quite frequently with Miss Buckell: "She enjoyed recording memoirs which she considered to be of interest locally, as she grew older."

One of her letters brings to life Glorious Goodwood at the turn of the last century.

"Race Week in these days (1901) was quite an excitement for the townsfolk," she wrote. "First came the various conveyances a few days before: one year two Hansom cabs! My sister took me for a ride in one, round the town! I was thrilled!

"Landaus, cabs and breaks with two or four horses, and on the first race day all these conveyances, and many more uncommon ones, were drawn up along the South and West Streets. From carts, anything on wheels, with chairs stood in them for seats, or only planks laid from side to side.

"Then all the drivers would shout out at the same time how much they would charge to take passengers up to the racecourse. Then would come a lull while they got their breath back and then each began to shout again above all his neighbours."

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette August 6