The valley of horehound and the secrets of an English market town
In short: Nestled in West Sussex, Arundel is far more than a picturesque medieval landscape. From its origins as a wooded plain protected by Norman fortifications to its unique local identity, this town holds a dense layer of history, spanning Roman Catholic traditions, ancient linguistics, and even a peculiar local nickname.
The origins of Arundel are etched into the landscape and its language. While the name is recorded in the Dunning Book, its roots likely lie in the Old English term Hārhūnedell, which refers to a valley where horehound grows. However, a different folk etymology suggests a connection to the Old French word arondelle, meaning swallow—a bird that prominently features on the town's official arms. This sense of historical layering is visible in the town's architecture, which boasts a high concentration of listed buildings, second only to Chichester in West Sussex.
Strategically, the town developed around the need for defense. The Normans constructed Arundel Castle to guard a vulnerable, wooded plain located north of the valley. This fortification helped establish the town as a major crossing point over the River Arun. Interestingly, the river itself was once known as the Tarrant, a name later changed by antiquarians to reflect the town's prominence. The town's growth eventually spread south from the castle, creating a distinction between the historic northern clusters and newer southern developments.
Arundel's social history is equally diverse. It has hosted notable figures, such as the philosopher C. E. M. Joad, and served as a seat for both the Duke of Norfolk and the Catholic Bishop of Arundel and Brighton. The town's identity is even reflected in its people; those born here are locally referred to as 'Mullets,' a nod to the fish found in the nearby river. From its early days as an electoral borough reformed in 1835 to its modern status as a Fairtrade Town, Arundel remains a significant piece of the English heritage puzzle.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Arundel
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