insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 01 - March 2015 | Page 66

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

S P O T L I G H T

O N

Chichester

by Lisamarie Lamb

Chichester – the only city in West Sussex as well as being the county town – is a beautiful
place to visit, and to live. It is a superb blend of modern and ancient, with a real mix of
history and contemporary living combining to make this a fascinating and important city.
history in brief

things to do

Chichester has been around since about 44AD,
when the Romans began to build a fort (it was
close to a water supply, and therefore in a good
position). Evidence of Roman occupation can
still be seen by the roads that were built in a grid
pattern, the main streets of which form a cross;
North Street, South Street, East Street, and
West Street all lead to the city centre.

With so much history in the air around
Chichester, it’s no wonder there is much to do
and see when visiting.

From then until the late 9th century, Chichester
carried on fairly uneventfully, but in 894 the
Danes arrived, and tried to take the town from
the Saxons who had possession of it. A mighty
battle ensued, and the Danes were driven
out – the people of Chichester had won. At
this point, Chichester begins to be recognised
as an important place to live and work, and a
mint was set up, as well as, over the coming
centuries, palaces and a cathedral. It became
a hub of industry for West Sussex, and was a
leading force in commerce including the wool
trade, carpentry, leatherwork, and wheelwrights.

Chichester Cathedral - Beautiful Chichester
Cathedral has been open to visitors for over 900
years, and is just as fascinating now as it has
always been. Certainly the jewel in Chichester’s
already stunning crown, a visit to the county
town of West Sussex would not be complete
without a trip to the cathedral. Open every day
from 7.15am, you can join the congregation for
a service, or take a tour around the buildings
and nearby gardens. There are even special
trails for children, so no one is left out when it
comes to learning about this lovely building.
With concerts, exhibitions, and special events,
Chichester Cathedral has something for
everyone.
Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest Roman
palace found in Britain today. With informative
guides and plenty of detailed information on
offer, you can walk around the palace and feel

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as the Romans who once walked and lived
there might have done – from mosaics to
pottery, from architecture to history, it is all here.
There is a café and a small shop on site too, so
you can make a real day of it, and get the most
out of the remains of this fascinating Roman
palace.
Goodwood House - This impressive stately
home on the (glorious) Goodwood estate is
everything you hope it will be; full of elegance
and class, telling the story of a bygone age.
Enjoy the house and gardens, and treat
yourself to a gorgeous afternoon tea in opulent
surroundings. Once you have finished, why not
try something a little more adventurous, with a
tour around the estate on an off-road driving
experience? Or if you prefer something more
sedate, the art collection within the house is
superb.