The Tarring Fig Gardens | A Beautiful Tranquil Oasis Since 1745

This post explores the ancient Tarring fig gardens located in South Street, Tarring, Worthing.

The remains of what was once the Tarring fig gardens now lie in the garden behind the house currently known as Bishops Garth.

The exact date when the fig gardens were established is unclear. The Worthing Borough Council’s plaque, featured in the accompanying photograph, notes that these historic gardens have existed since at least 1745.

Tarring fig gardens descriptive plaque. — Tarring fig gardens descriptive plaque

For further historical insight, the most comprehensive account of the fig gardens I found is in Roger Davis’s book, “Tarring A Walk Through Its History.”

Roger Davis’s historical account of the Tarring fig Gardens

In the nineteenth century, the fig orchard was quite a tourist attraction in Tarring, and many early guidebooks mentioned it.

At the time, one of the fig trees in the garden had a sign under it informing visitors that:

This fig tree is the oldest in England
it was planted 800 years ago
by Thomas A Becket*

Roger Davis explains that this claim is unlikely to be accurate.

*Historical note by the post author: It cannot be proved that Thomas Becket visited Tarring. Source: British History Online – West Tarring.

Over time, the garden was sold off in large part to make way for a new development now called Bishop’s Close.

Transitioning to local legend: The fascinating story about the beccafico bird that visits the Tarring fig gardens once a year.

The beccafico, a small warbler, is said to migrate from Italy to Tarring each summer for a week to feast on ripe figs.

The bird is reportedly found only in England, in Tarring and nearby Sompting, both with fig orchards. Roger Davis had not heard of recent sightings, if any.

Image: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Beccafico bird also known as as a garden warbler. — Beccafico bird

Text Source: Tarring: A Walk Through Its History. Roger Davis. Published 1990. Pages 112-113.

Mrs Humphrey’s Tea Gardens in the 19th Century

The property, now called Bishops Garth, was home to Mrs Humphrey and her daughter during the nineteenth century. In both summer and winter, the public could visit and enjoy the extensive fig garden.

A sweet shop sold tea and ice cream in summer near the entrance. A wooden house at the garden’s far end offered overnight accommodation for men cycling from London.

Source: Pasttimesproject.co.uk – Lifestory Library.

You can view a copyrighted image of Mrs Humphrey’s property (dated 1900 to 1904) at Historic England. The photograph is titled Exterior view of tea room.

Worthing Borough Council’s Conservation and Heritage Guide

This guide gives more details about the Tarring fig gardens.

According to the Conservation and Heritage Guide, the fig orchard was established in 1745 with cuttings near the Old Palace. Legend says Thomas Becket introduced figs to the Palace Gardens. By 1830, 100 trees yielded two thousand dozen figs annually.

The Humphrey family also promoted postal delivery of “ripe figs to any part of the kingdom.” The gardens were a popular tourist destination until they closed to the public in 1937. However, when the property was sold, a covenant was included to allow an annual public open day each July. The construction of Bishops Close in the late 1980s reduced the garden’s area. Source: Worthing Borough Council – Conservation and Heritage Guide. PDF file.

The Tarring Fig Gardens – Open to The Public Once a Year in July

An informative video, titled “Ancient Fig Garden in Tarring, Worthing,” highlights this tranquil garden, which is open to the public once a year in July.