East Wittering

East Wittering was presumably included in "Wihttringes" given by Caedwalla, King of Wessex, to Bishop Wilfrid for the endowment of Selsey minster. Before the Norman Conquest, one hide of fifteen had separated and was held by two freemen as separate manors. In 1086 this hide was held of Earl Roger by Robert fitz Tetbald and Ralph, with one house in Chichester attached.

The manor was recovered by the bishops of Chichester, whose overlordship persisted until 1520. The local Wystryng family held it as tenants: Oliver de Wystringes held part of a knight's fee in 1166; Alan de Wideringe in the time of King John; Simon de Vystryng held 2 hides c. 1260; William Wystryng held 4 hides and 1.5 yardlands from 1300 to 1310, attached manorially to Cakeham in West Wittering.

In 1481 William Wyghtryng and Joan conveyed the manor to Sir Thomas Seyntleger and others as trustees. Joan's son Robert Wyghtryng sold it in 1507 to Sir John Ernle (died 1519). His son William (died 1546) settled the manor on his wife Bridget. Francis Ernle (William's elder son) died 1547; his brother Richard succeeded. The Ernle family retained the manor until at least 1628, when Richard Ernle and Susan conveyed it to Thomas Hide.

In 1637 John Ashburnham and Francis sold the manor to Thomas Alcock, clerk. The Alcock family held it until 1807, when Rev. William Alcock conveyed it to George Copis. Copis probably acted as agent for John Helyer, from whom the Duke of Richmond acquired it. Henry Sparkes was the tenant in 1835.