History of Chatsworth Hotel

Worthing's First Hotel

Steyne Hotel, Worthing’s first, was built in 1807 by George Parsons. Built on the site of an old inn, and used, so we are led to believe, by smugglers. Local fishermen tell of the sunken fishing hamlet some half mile off the end of the pier, which used to be on a shingle bank and was destroyed by storms in the 1700s.

The hotel’s ballroom served as the town’s Assembly Rooms and played an important part in the fashionable social life of the resort. It has been suggested that the victory of Waterloo in 1815 was announced in the ballroom.

Greeted as old friends

Chatsworth, then just three houses, was bought in 1932 by Clara Clinch. In 1946 she handed over to her eldest son, Charles, who purchased Steyne Hotel in 1956, including the Assembly Rooms, which still exist, and further extended the hotel into houses on the north side.

The current generation started to come into the business in 1963 when Michael joined his father, having trained in hotel management at Claridges in London.

So, Chatsworth Hotel is a truly family enterprise and some of our staff have been here for over 35 years – our many returning guests greet them as old friends!