Chichester Cathedral Sussex

Chichester Cathedral, Sussex

Chichester Cathedral in Chichester, Sussex has elements of Norman and Gothic architecture and a free-standing medieval bell tower. Within are medieval sculptures as well as contemporary art work and stained glass.

The interior inspired the poet Philip Larkin to pen An Arundel Tomb and is now richly decorated with contemporary art including a stained glass window by Marc Chagall and a painting by Graham Sutherland. A pair of 12th century reliefs in the south aisle are considered some of the finest Romanesque carvings in England.

The free-standing bell tower (campanile) and double aisles are unique features among England's medieval cathedrals, as is the fact that its spire is visible from sea.

Stained glass window by Marc Chagall. — Stained glass window by Marc Chagall

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

In 1861 the spire collapsed. — In 1861 the spire collapsed

History

The Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity dates originally from the 11th century but the building visitors see today is largely 14th century Gothic, following a fire in 1187 which largely destroyed the original.

The church was first consecrated in 1108 and again in 1199 following the fire. The central tower was added in the 13th century.

When the bishop Richard de la Wyche was canonized in 1262, Chichester became a popular pilgrimage place.

Due to subsidence the structure has been plagued by collapses. In 1210 the southwest tower of the façade collapsed and was subsequently rebuilt. The northwest tower fell down in 1635 and was only rebuilt in 1901.

In 1861 the spire collapsed, fortunately during the night and without loss of life. The celebrated architect George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878), who also designed the Albert Memorial across from the Royal Albert Hall, rebuilt the tower and spire on the lines of the original.

Architecture

The cathedral is in the shape of a cross and is a mix of architectural styles including Norman, Romanesque, Perpendicular, Gothic and Early English.

The free-standing bell-tower dates from the early 15th century. It is the work of architect William Wynford who also designed the cloisters.

Within the church are the tombs of the composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934), known for his orchestral suite The Planets and Richard FitzAlan (10th Earl of Arundel) and his wife, which inspired Larkin's poem.

Also famous for its music and choir, the cathedral has no less than five pipe organs.

Access

Chichester
PO19 1PX
Tel: 01243 782595
www: chichestercathedral.org.uk

The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 10 am to 2 pm.

The cathedral is in the center of the town close to the Market Cross. It is a 10 minute walk from Chichester Station.

Chichester is under 3 hours by car from London. East of Portsmouth on the south coast by train from the capital, Chichester is about 90 minutes from Victoria Station. From Portsmouth it is 20 minutes by train.

Nearby

The pleasant, market town of Chichester still retains parts of its original Roman street plan. Known as Noviomagus Reginorum during the Roman period, the recent Novium Museum is built over the town's Roman baths. Built in 2012, the museum is on three floors with the Bath complex on the ground floor. As well as a mosaic discovered at Chilgrove Roman Villa and other Roman pieces, the Novium houses the collection of the former Chichester District Museum.

Just outside the town is Fishbourne Roman Palace. The excavated site is one of the finest Roman remains in Britain. It was a very large Romano-British stately home of its day. Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest residential Roman building discovered in Britain. Indeed, in size it rivals Buckingham Palace and Nero's massive Golden House in Rome.

Chichester also has some fine Georgian architecture. Visit the Guildhall and the interesting Pallant House Gallery with pieces by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland.