This photograph shows the Harbour Commissioners in their launch during the annual inspection in 1887. The Harbourmaster William Sewell is on the far left holding the tiller. He was in place from 1847-1915. 

The journals, which record all the arrivals and departures in the harbour, are kept in the West Sussex County Council Records Office in Chichester and give a detailed picture of events during the period covered by the early postcard photographers. Sometimes it’s possible to date particular cards where named vessels can be identified.