[4] The Emille cometh first between Racton and Stansted, then down to Emilswort or Emmesworth, and so into the Ocean, Separating [sic] Sussex from Hampshire.

[2] Westbourne contains 66 listed buildings some dating back to the 16th Century,[3] though written evidence of habitation can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086.

[5][6] The medieval Church of St John the Baptist is notable for its fine yew avenue, which is apparently the oldest in England, and walled graveyard.

Nicholas Levett, a native of Petworth and fellow of Balliol College, Oxford, was longtime minister of St John the Baptist.

As of April 2011, the north-eastern and eastern edges of the village now form boundaries with the newly designated South Downs National Park.