The History of Kingston Gorse (Timeline)
In 1918
JA Candy, who owned East Kingston Farm, sold the land on which Kingston Gorse now stands to the local builder G Pesket. In the 1920s he constructed the infrastructure and developed approx. 30 plots including Imray, which he occupied.
In 1930
"Spring tide” on the estate was built at a cost of £1,600!
In 1932
Following the death of G Peskett his Personnel Representatives sold the roads, verges and undeveloped plots to a new company, Kingston Gorse Estates Ltd.
In 1934
Kingston Gorse had become popular with stage people. The Knox's were building their own house (Porchways - now the Coast House). The Nervos already had their house (Durban - just outside the gates of Kingston Gorse) which they bought from Bud Flanagan who had just moved to Ferring.
George Black was designing a house to be built from stone transported from the North of England. It was set in half an acre and built along the lines of a medieval castle complete with turrets and a moat. He commissioned stained glass windows depicting clowns (based on the Crazy Gang).
Note from Jack Willmott - George Black's house consisted of Kingston House and West House that was divided sometime after Billy Butlin lived there. The grounds of George Black's house also included land now occupied by Farthings, Jasmine, Garden Cottage, The Saltings and the Dutch House.
George Black shunned the show business parties and was reclusive when "off duty". He was happiest in his elaborate gardens where he grew giant chrysanthemums and rare orchids behind the fortress-like walls of his house.
In 1940
When George Black died, Billy Butlin bought his house for his wife.
In 1943
Part of A Squadron, occupying the house of a famous man of theatres at Kingston Gorse, lived among stained glass, a shining cocktail bar, sunken baths and garden fountains. Other people of the stage whose homes were here became the regiment's friends, notably Nervo and Knox, who renewed acquaintance months later when they were making the Second Army laugh in Holland.
In 1953
SQUADRON Leader Neville Duke broke the world air speed record in his Hawker Hunter. He did it on both attempts, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
The figures were achieved on the second flight over the three kilometres course off-shore between Rustington and Kingston Gorse, Sussex.
The average was 727.6 mph. The speeds on the required four runs over the course were: 716.7 mph, 738.8 mph, 716.5 mph, and 738.6 mph.
In 1955
A Royal Navy Seahawk aircraft crashed at Kingston Gorse - For the full story click here
In 1957
Worthing Rural District Council (now part of Arun District Council) took over responsibility for maintenance of the coastal protection from KGE for the sum of £96.5s.0d from each property owner.
In 1998
Kingston is granted and forms its first Parish Council