Chichester Cathedral

From Roman Site to Norman Cathedral

The land beneath Chichester Cathedral has been occupied since Roman times — a mosaic floor from a large Roman house survives under glass in the south aisle. After the Norman Conquest, the bishop's seat was moved from the remote coastal village of Selsey to Chichester in 1075, and the new cathedral was consecrated in 1108 under Bishop Ralph de Luffa. Fires in 1114 and 1187 damaged the building severely, but each rebuilding added architectural richness, blending the original Norman round arches with elegant Early English Gothic stonework.

The cathedral became a pilgrimage destination after Richard de la Wyche, Bishop of Chichester from 1245 to 1253, was canonised as Saint Richard in 1262. His jewel-encrusted shrine drew pilgrims for nearly three centuries until Henry VIII ordered its destruction in 1538. The spire, built in the 14th century and repaired by Christopher Wren in the 17th, collapsed spectacularly during a storm in 1861 and was faithfully rebuilt by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

What to See Inside

The cathedral's greatest surprise is its collection of modern art, largely thanks to Dean Walter Hussey, who served from 1955 to 1977 and commissioned works from leading 20th-century artists. Marc Chagall's stained-glass window, a blazing interpretation of Psalm 150 in reds and blues, is one of only two Chagall windows in Britain. Behind the high altar hangs John Piper's bold tapestry of the Holy Trinity, and Graham Sutherland's painting of Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene adds another masterwork.

The medieval treasures are equally compelling. Two 12th-century Romanesque stone reliefs depicting the raising of Lazarus rank among the finest medieval carvings in England. The quire stalls date from around 1330 and feature 38 carved misericords, while the elegant Arundel Screen divides the nave from the choir with three graceful arches. The free-standing bell tower in the grounds — unique among English cathedrals — completes an extraordinary ensemble.

Getting There and Making a Day of It

Chichester is an easy day trip from London, with direct Southern Railway trains from Victoria taking around 90 minutes. The cathedral sits in the heart of the compact city centre, a 10-minute walk north from the station along pedestrianised streets lined with independent shops and cafes. The Cloisters Kitchen and Garden, set in the cathedral grounds, serves locally sourced food and is a pleasant spot for lunch.

With time to spare, the nearby Pallant House Gallery holds one of the best collections of modern British art outside London, and the Novium Museum covers the city's Roman history. Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a short drive or bus ride south and offers walking trails and boat trips. The city also makes a good base for visiting Goodwood, Arundel Castle or the South Downs National Park.