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| West Sussex | | A Visitor Guide to West Sussex |
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Chichester The only Anglican Cathedral city in the county Chichester is the county town of West Sussex and also a Cathedral City. Chichester is a very old town. The Romans knew it as Noviomagnus and established an important base in the town on arrival in A.D. 43.
Extensive evidence of their presence remains, especially in the substantial remains of the defensive walls and one bastion.
Nearby is the Roman villa of Fishbourne which was re-discovered in 1960, the largest Roman building yet uncovered in this country. | Chichester Cathedral |
| | After the Romans, the Saxon's established themselves in the town. Aella, the first king of the South Saxon's, gave the
'ceaster' (their name for Roman towns) to his son, Cissa. The town became known as "Cissa's ceaster". The two 'c''s being pronounced 'ch' led to the modern name of Chichester quickly evolving. It is strange to think that while most towns grow up around their Cathedral, Chichester was already over a 1000 years old when the Cathedral was started. Chichester has enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence with only the
only castle being demolished in the 13th century. The only serious disturbances being two sieges during the Civil War, both of which were short. | Cloister
Conspiracy | | | Chichester Cathedral is fundamentally the same church erected by Ralph Luffa (Bishop from 1091 to 1123) with many alterations and extensions, as you would expect in 1000 years. The stone used is from the Isle of Wight rather than the more normal Caen stone usually used by the Normans.
The city of Chichester is essentially a city of quarters being divided into neat sections by East, West, North & South 'through-fares' that are now extensively pedestrianised. They meet at The Market Cross. Chichester Market Cross is described as the finest structure of its type in the country. It was built at the end of the 15th Century as a gift to the city from Edward Story, Bishop of Chichester, 1478-1503. The Cross is sometimes referred to as Bishop Story's Cross.
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| The Old Cross
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Once you have craned your neck back to look at the ceiling of the Cathedral, had a cup of tea and a scone in the refectory, and admired the archetectural spendour of the Bishop's Cross. what to do until the evening performance at Chichester Festival Theatre? If you are in town on a Saturday or Monday between June and the end of September slip along to the Tourist Information Office on South Street. (with the Cross behind you and the Cathedral on
your right - That's South Street). At 10:30 a Blue Badge guide will be on hand to take visitors for a stroll around the town looking at the places of particular interest. How about the Pallant House Gallery, at 9. North Pallant? The house was built in 1712 for Henry Peckham, a wine merchant. The tastefully decorated rooms now house collections of Bow porcelain and painting by such renowned artists as Cezanne,
Henry Moore, Graham Southerland, John Piper and Paul Nash. Chichester's heyday was in the 18th century and the domestic architecture within the town is almost completely of this period. The Palents is where to see it preserved at its best. If you find yourself wandering along the pedestrianised East Street then pop into Little London, to the north for more excellent examples of Georgian architecture and some Roman masonry. In July you should enjoy the Chichester Festival, one of
Britain's leading arts festivals. It is based in the Cathedral and environs with classical & jazz concerts, exhibitions and fringe events. The Cloister Conspiracy is from the 2000 exhibition. So, Chichester is not just somewhere to skirt on the A27 ring road to the south. Bide awhile and enjoy the tranquility of a 2000 year old town. As you sup tea in one of the many tea-rooms ask yourself why it has lasted so long? I'll let you into a little secret, it is a perfect place from
which to explore the surrounding area! The many hotels, guest houses, B&B's camp sites, caravan sites and restaurants in the area prove that there is something going on that is worth a look. Out & About from Chichester Fishbourne Roman Palace - Location
Fishbourne is about 1 mile away along the A259 to the west.
| | Built around AD 75, probably by the loyal ally of Rome, Cogidubnus. It flourished and expanded until the 3rd century when it burned down. It was re-discovered in 1960 by workmen digging a pipeline. The largest
Roman house found in the land! Brilliant museum (and wonderful mosaics). | Bignor Roman Villa - Location
Between the A29 and A272 just west of Bury.
In 1811 a farmer, while ploughing his field, ensured that Bignor would be put firmly on the map. You may well ask
how to put your location firmly on the map of Britain, 'tis simple, discover one of the largest sites of Roman antiquity in the country! Bignor Roman Villa covers about 4.5 acres and contains some 70 buildings around a courtyard and within a perimeter wall. It is believed that the construction replaced an earlier 2nd century site and was used until the end of the 4th century. Bignor Roman Villa is open to the public. Weald and Downland Open Air Museum - Location
6 miles north on the A286 towards Midhurst.
The Singleton based museum is a bit different from the ordinary, run of the mill museums. It is a museum of buildings! Over 30 historic buildings have been re-erected. Rescued, rural buildings of the Southeast, including a cottage, a shop, a Tudor market hall, a working watermill and a medieval
farm-house to mention just a few. Bosham Goodwood House - Location
Lying just a few miles north east of Chichester on the A285
Goodwood House lies amidst a huge estate which incorporates the race track. It is the home of the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon and is over 200 years old. Never
completed in its intended octagonal form due to lack of funds, the three completed sides are flint faced - most unusual for a house of this splendour. It opens to the public. The race course is very popular - the height of the season is Glorious Goodwood week which is held each July. Uppark - Location
Approx 10 miles from Chichester along the B2141
Lying some ten miles or so north west of Chichester is one of the most interesting 17th century houses in the area. Devastated by fire some decades ago, a series of craftsmen have lovingly restored the house. The exhibition of how this was done is fascinating - well worth a visit! Owned by the National Trust and open to the public. Portsmouth | | Portsmouth is in Hampshire but it is only 15 miles away. It will be covered in detail in the Hampshire web site but for now there is a whole host of things to explore in the Naval town. It is also the gateway to Europe and a short hop over to the Isle of Wight. | Chichester is a city to be visited, and a trip to the Festival Theatre in Oaklands Park would only serve to add to your pleasure. The city, its environs and the many attractions in the area make it an ideal base for exploring West Sussex and East Hampshire. | |
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