Halnaker is mentioned in the Domesday Book under the Hundred of Boxgrove, Sussex, as having 44 households[2] in the lands belonging to Earl Roger.[3] The book which was written in 1086 said:
The same William holds Halnaker of the Earl. Alweard held it TRE[4] and then as now it was assessed at nine hildes. There is land for five ploughs. In demesne, there are two ploughs and seventeen villans with twelve cottars with two ploughs. There are eight acres of meadow and woodland for 9 pigs. In Chichester are three burgesses paying 5 shillings. TRE it was worth four pounds now 100 shillings.[5]
. TRE = Tempore Regis Edwardi, in the time of King Edward.
The place was in medieval times also referred to as Halfnaked.[6] Kelly's Directory of 1867 says that Boxgrove manor-house
...is said to have been built by Sir Thomas West, who married, early in the reign of Henry VIII, Elizabeth, the heiress of John Bonville, of Halnaker.[7]
