Information on Chichester, Sussex, England

Chichester, Sussex, England

Goodwood House

A Historic Tour of Chichester

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester

Chichester has been a Cathedral city since 1075, and the great building, erected by the Normans, with its majestic spire rising above the Sussex plain, has for centuries been the focal point of the city.

The history of Chichester dates back to Roman times, when the Romans camped in the area under the supervision of King Cogidubnus about AD43. The Roman Palace at nearby Fishbourne is believed to have been built for Cogidubnus. The Roman road to London, called Stane Street, can still be walked in places, through the countryside, and there is a Roman Villa at Bignor.

Surrounding Chichester are the City Walls, originally built on Roman foundations, but today these are medieval or later works. In the late AD200’s circular bastions were added mainly as sites for stone throwing catapults used for defence, and these can be seen on the Walls Walk.
At the centre of Chichester, where the four main streets meet, is the magnificent Tudor Market Cross, given by Bishop Story in 1501. There are many historic buildings in the city; the Georgian Pallant House is a fine art gallery; there are museums in an 18th century cornstore and 13th century priory, while the modern Festival Theatre has built up a worldwide reputation for its plays. Not surprisingly, Chichester is known as a “City of Culture”.

The countryside, dominated by the South Downs, with its old market towns of Midhurst and Petworth and small villages is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within the countryside are to be found several stately homes, set in glorious parkland, including Goodwood, Petworth, Cowdray ruins, Uppark and Stansted Park.

The scenic, unspoilt coastline and picturesque harbour are only a short journey from Chichester. The Chichester Harbour which covers fifty miles of shoreline is a natural habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna and a pleasureable way of viewing the harbour is by water tour from West Itchenor. Many harbour villages are steeped in history with their ancient churches, such as Bosham, where it is said King Canute tried to turn back the tide, which comes across the Shore Road up to the walls of the houses.

The area has a wide range of accommodation, especially bed and breakfast establishments and quality hotels, who provide a warm welcome to visitors.

For more Information please contact:
Tourist Information Centre,
29A South Street,
Chichester,
West Sussex
PO19 1AH.

Web: www.chichester.gov.uk
Email: chitic@chichester.gov.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1243 775888
Fax: +44 (0)1243 539449

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