Modern Worthing grew by absorbing several older villages, each of which still has its own identity, older buildings and, in some cases, its own historic parish church.
Broadwater
Broadwater lies just north of the town centre and is the original settlement Worthing grew from — Worthing itself was once just a small hamlet within Broadwater parish. Its name is thought to come from Old English for a "broad stretch of water", recorded as far back as the 10th century. St Mary's Church, Broadwater, remains the parish church.
Durrington
Originally a small medieval chapelry of West Tarring, Durrington was enlarged in 1902 and added to Worthing in 1929. It now covers a substantial residential area inland from the coast, including Durrington High School.
Goring-by-Sea
Goring-by-Sea takes its name from Saxon settlers recorded from around 700 AD. It was added to the Worthing borough in 1929 and remains the westernmost coastal district of the town.
Salvington and High Salvington
Salvington sits inland to the north of Worthing on higher ground, with High Salvington offering some of the best views back down over the town and coastline.
West Tarring
West Tarring has a documented history going back to the 11th century, when the land was held by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Its parish church, St Andrew's, is largely 13th century and its spire is a local landmark. Part of Tarring was added to the Worthing borough in 1902, with the rest split between Durrington and Goring.