Chichester

Contents
1. Introduction 2. Interesting Facts 3. History 4. Main Sights 5. Top Museums 6. Local Cuisine 7. Getting There

Introduction

Chichester (pop. 26,000) is a historic cathedral city located in West Sussex, approximately 20 miles northeast of Portsmouth and eight miles from the English Channel coast. Built on the site of the Roman settlement of Noviomagus Reginorum, Chichester retains much of its ancient character, including substantial sections of medieval city walls and a street layout that follows the original Roman grid pattern. The city's focal point is the magnificent Norman cathedral with its distinctive spire, which has dominated the skyline since the 11th century.

History

Chichester was founded as a Roman fort around 44 CE. A wooden palisade was built in the late 2nd century. A stone wall replaced it in the early 3rd century, later fortified with semi-circular towers.

A small wooden amphitheatre was built and sometimes held gladiator fights, or more usually animal fights. There was a temple dedicated to Neptune and Minerva, and Chichester even had several Roman villas with mosaic floors, painted walls, glass windows and a form of primitive central heating.

After the Romans left in the early 5th century, the Saxons establish themselves in the region, naming the Roman town Cissa Caester, which subsequently evolved into Chichester. In 986, the Danish Vikings were routed near Chichester.

Chichester developed into a market town. The Normans built a wooden fort on a motte, but it was demolished in the early 1200's. In 1075, Chichester became a bishopric and a cathedral was errected between 1076 and 1108. It burnt down in 1114 , was rebuilt, but burnt again in 1187.

King Stephen gave Chichester its first charter in 1125. The town turned into an important port in the 13th century, exporting wool to the continent. Dominican and Franciscan friars arrived and settled in the 1200's, building several religious institutions.

Chichester remained a small market town until the 19th century. In 1846, it became connected to Brighton by a railway, and one year later, to Portsmouth. The town's population still didn't exceed 9,000 souls at the dawn of the 20th century.

Interesting Facts about Chichester

• Chichester is the only city in West Sussex and serves as the county town.
• The city was originally the Roman settlement of Noviomagus Reginorum, and its modern street layout with North, South, East, and West streets meeting in the centre still follows the original Roman design.
• The original Roman city walls were more than 6 feet thick and remarkably survived for over 1,500 years before being replaced by a thinner Georgian wall.
• Chichester Cathedral is the only medieval English cathedral that can be seen from the sea due to its towering spire.
• The cathedral is unique amongst English cathedrals for having a detached medieval bell tower, which is the only surviving one in Britain.
• When the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086, Chichester (then called Cicestre) consisted of 300 dwellings with a population of 1,500 people.
• Astronaut Tim Peake was born in Chichester in 1972 and later attended Chichester High School for Boys.
• The city's name likely derives from Anglo-Saxon King Ælle's son Cissa, after the settlement was captured by the Anglo-Saxons in the late 5th century.
• Queen Elizabeth I once visited Chichester and declared it to be 'a little London', and a street named such still exists today.
• The elaborate octagonal Market Cross, which marks the town centre where the four main streets meet, was built in 1501 as a covered marketplace.
• Former Chichester MP William Huskisson died after being run over by Stephenson's Rocket at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830.
• In April 2017, a parchment manuscript copy of the United States Declaration of Independence was discovered in the archives of The West Sussex Record Office.
• The Chichester Canal runs for 4.5 miles from Chichester Harbour to the city through two locks and was opened in 1822 after taking three years to build.
• Chichester was one of the fortified towns (burhs) established by Alfred the Great in 878-9 as part of his defensive system against Viking invasions.
• The cathedral and its grounds take up a quarter of Chichester's city centre.
• Roman baths were discovered under Tower Street when a car park was being built, and The Novium museum was opened in 2012 to protect and display these ancient remains.
• Visitors to the cathedral can see parts of a Roman mosaic pavement through a glass panel in the floor.
• The city is twinned with Chartres in France and Ravenna in Italy.
• Chichester has been designated as a Fairtrade City and is divided into eight conservation areas to protect its historic character.
• The city walls are recognised as the most intact Roman walls in southern England and are approximately 1,800 years old.

Main Attractions

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral is one of England finest Romanesque churches combining Norman and Gothic architectural elements in a harmonious blend. Originally built in 1076, it was rebuilt in the 13th century, and the cloisters, south transept and the detached bell-tower (the only one left in England) were added in the 15th century. The spire was restored in the 19th century. The cathedral has a stained glass window by Marc Chagall and a painting by Graham Sutherland. A 360-degree virtual visit from 14 different points is available on the official website.

Chichester City Walls

The city walls of Chichester represent one of the most complete examples of Roman fortification in southern England, with approximately 80% of the original structure still intact after nearly two millennia. These ancient defences provide visitors with a tangible connection to the city's Roman origins, offering walks that follow the course of the walls around the city centre. Multiple access points allow for flexible exploration, whether seeking a complete circuit or shorter sections, making the walls accessible to visitors with varying levels of mobility and time constraints.

Market Cross

The Market Cross serves as Chichester's most recognisable landmark, an octagonal medieval stone structure erected in the 16th century at the precise intersection of the city's four main streets. This Grade I listed monument has functioned as the heart of civic life for centuries, originally serving as a covered market space and meeting point for local traders and townspeople. Today, it remains central to navigation through the city centre and continues to be a focal point for community gatherings and events, maintaining its historical role as the beating heart of Chichester's social and commercial life.

Priory Park and The Guildhall

Situated at the north-east corner of the city, Priory Park combines historical significance with modern recreational facilities in a setting that appeals to families and history enthusiasts alike. The park contains the medieval Guildhall and the remains of a Norman motte, providing glimpses into different periods of Chichester's past. Modern amenities include a children's play area, aviary, bowling green, cricket pitch, and extensive open grass areas that serve as venues for community events, festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

Bishop's Palace Gardens

Adjacent to the cathedral, the Bishop's Palace Gardens offer visitors a tranquil retreat within formal walled gardens that showcase centuries of horticultural tradition. The gardens feature carefully maintained formal beds, a distinctive boardwalk, rose pergola, collection of rare trees, and a dedicated wildlife garden that supports local biodiversity. Entry is free to all visitors, though dogs and cycling are prohibited to maintain the peaceful atmosphere and protect the garden's delicate plantings and wildlife habitats.

Church of the Greyfriars

The Church of the Greyfriars was established in 1269 by Franciscan monks (aka Greyfriars) at the place where the castle once stood. When Henry VIII dissolved the order in 1536, it became the guildhall, and later a law court.

Chichester Canal (Chichester Ship Canal)

The Chichester Canal extends four miles from the city to Chichester Harbour, providing a scenic waterway that serves both recreational and ecological purposes. The towpath offers excellent opportunities for walking, running, and cycling, while the canal itself supports various water-based activities including boat trips, rowing, canoeing, and angling. The Canal Basin features a café with views of ongoing maritime activities, making it an ideal spot for refreshments whilst observing the comings and goings of pleasure craft and working boats.

Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre has established itself as a leading regional theatre, renowned for producing high-standard productions that often transfer to London's West End. The theatre hosts its main summer festival from April to September, featuring a diverse programme of drama, musicals, and contemporary works. Backstage tours are available by prior arrangement, offering visitors insight into the technical aspects of theatrical production and the venue's contribution to British theatre culture.

Oaklands Park

Located at the northern end of the city, Oaklands Park provides extensive recreational facilities across its substantial grounds, catering to sports enthusiasts and families alike. The park accommodates rugby, football, and softball pitches, tennis courts, multiple play parks for different age groups, and a productive orchard that contributes to the local food network. Throughout the year, the park serves as a venue for community events, seasonal fairs, and visiting circuses, with its proximity to the Chichester Festival Theatre creating a cultural hub in this part of the city.

West Dean Gardens

Located six miles north of Chichester, West Dean Gardens represent a masterpiece of restored historic garden design, featuring an impressive Edwardian pergola, productive glasshouses, and meticulously maintained ornamental gardens. The gardens are open to visitors year-round, offering seasonal displays that showcase both traditional and contemporary horticultural techniques. The site provides educational opportunities through its horticultural displays and serves as a working example of sustainable garden management practices.

Goodwood Estate

Just outside Chichester, the Goodwood Estate encompasses both Goodwood House, a magnificent stately home, and the world-famous Goodwood Motor Circuit and Racecourse. The estate hosts internationally renowned events including the Festival of Speed and Revival for motorsport enthusiasts, alongside prestigious horse racing fixtures that attract visitors from across the globe. The combination of architectural heritage, sporting excellence, and cultural events makes Goodwood a significant attraction that extends Chichester's appeal beyond its historic city centre.

Top Museums

The Novium Museum

Located in the heart of Chichester, The Novium Museum is built over the remains of a Roman bath house and houses three floors of captivating exhibitions. Its collection, drawn from over 500,000 artefacts, unveils the story of Chichester and its district from ancient Roman times to the present day. The Roman Gallery is a highlight, centring on the archaeological remains of the Roman bath house and showcasing treasures such as the stunning Chilgrove Mosaic and the historical Jupiter Stone. Thematic displays reveal the city’s development across centuries, making this museum a must for history enthusiasts and families alike.

Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens

Situated just one and a half miles west of the city centre, Fishbourne Roman Palace stands as the largest Roman home in Britain. Visitors can marvel at its grandeur, stroll around beautifully reconstructed gardens—considered the oldest in the UK—and appreciate the extraordinary collection of original mosaics, the most extensive in situ in the country. The museum provides fascinating insight into the luxurious lifestyle of its original Roman residents, enhanced by immersive displays and the atmospheric recreation of ancient living spaces.

Weald & Downland Living Museum

Nestled in the Sussex countryside, the Weald & Downland Living Museum is a remarkable open-air museum, spanning 40 acres with over 50 historic buildings relocated from across the South East. Visitors explore a millennium of rural history through tangible, hands-on experiences—with buildings dating from Anglo-Saxon halls to Victorian cottages. The museum brings the rural past alive with working kitchens, traditional crafts, farming demonstrations, and rare breeds, making it educational and ideal for families.

Pallant House Gallery

The Pallant House Gallery is a leading destination for modern British art lovers. The gallery combines an elegant Queen Anne townhouse with a striking contemporary extension. It is home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British art in the country, offering an ever-evolving programme of exhibitions, talks, and creative activities. Major figures such as Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore feature among the impressive works on display, ensuring an inspiring visit for art aficionados.

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

Located at the former RAF Tangmere airfield, the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum commemorates the site’s role as a key fighter station in British military history. Its diverse exhibits cover aviation from the First World War through to the Cold War, boasting an impressive array of historic aircraft. The museum is noted for its interactive displays and aircraft cockpits, giving visitors, including families and aspiring aviators, a hands-on experience of aviation heritage and technology.

South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre provides immersive scientific experiences with a strong focus on astronomy. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits covering astronomy and the natural sciences, and enjoy educational planetarium shows exploring the wonders of the universe. This museum is perfect for those who are curious about the cosmos and scientific discovery.

Goodwood House

A short drive from central Chichester, Goodwood House offers a glimpse into stately English heritage. This grand country house, the seat of the Duke of Richmond, is surrounded by parkland and features lavish interiors, a fine art collection, and engaging displays about the estate’s history and significance in British society.

Other Noteworthy Venues

• Guildhall Museum: Features exhibits on archaeology, notable personalities, architecture, religion, and local history.
• Oxmarket Centre of Arts & Other Art Galleries: Chichester is also well-served by vibrant art spaces, each showcasing local artists, crafts, and regular exhibition changes.

Local Cuisine

Chichester's culinary scene reflects its coastal Sussex heritage, with the city being celebrated as one of the "Seven Good Things of Sussex" for its renowned Chichester lobster. The local dining landscape embraces both traditional British pub fare and fresh seafood, with restaurants proudly featuring locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding countryside and nearby coast. Visitors can savour other Sussex specialities including Selsey cockles, Arundel mullet, and Amberley trout, whilst the city's diverse restaurant scene offers everything from authentic Turkish cuisine at establishments like Reina Kitchen to contemporary British dishes featuring Sussex Charmer cheese and twice-cooked pork belly. Whether enjoying a leisurely meal at a traditional pub serving beef Wellington or sampling modern British cuisine with European influences at establishments like Pallant Café, Chichester's food culture celebrates both its maritime heritage and its position as a vibrant market town in the heart of West Sussex.

Getting There & Around

By train frequent Southern Rail services link Chichester with London Victoria (via Gatwick Airport) as well as Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton, and the station is an easy stroll from the historic centre; by coach National Express and other long-distance operators stop at the adjacent bus station, providing direct services from London and South-Coast towns; by car Chichester sits just off the A27 dual carriageway—use the M25 and A3 or the M3 then A27 from London, or simply follow the A27 east or west from Brighton or Portsmouth—where clearly signed park-and-ride and city-centre car parks await.