The word compton means village in a combe and aptly describes the settlement as it primarily consists of a long street on the side of a chalk valley.

Disused since 1966, the viaduct was initially threatened with demolition when the M3 motorway was proposed but after much protest it was incorporated into the scheme.

South of this the Newhaven Chalk outcrops in the dry valley running down from Oliver's Battery to Shawford.

This area is noted for its rich variety of habitats and the grazed pasture supports a wealth of flora and fauna, including notable insects and wildflowers.

Shawford railway station is served by stopping services on the South West Main Line.

[15] Shawford was the location for Victor Meldrew's death the One Foot in the Grave episode "Things Aren't Simple Any More".

It caused great excitement in the village; a large crowd watched the actress being filmed getting out of a car on the forecourt.

[citation needed] Jon Tufnell, the leader of the band Plastic Toys, is a former resident of Compton and it was in his home studio in the village that he recorded the album For Tonight Only, which included the single "Let Me Feel The Love".