It was originally named Bognor, and was a fishing and smuggling village until the 18th century, when it was converted into a resort by Richard Hotham. It gradually took off over the next hundred years, and was visited by George V of the United Kingdom in 1929, and after this, it was allowed to add Regis to its name. Reputedly though, the King's last words, upon being told that he would soon be well enough to visit the town again were 'Bugger Bognor'.