TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON
CHICHESTER
BY LISAMARIE LAMB
Chichester is the county town of West Sussex , and - in a simultaneously endearing and contrary way - is also West Sussex ’ s only city thanks to the stunning Chichester Cathedral . Look at Chichester on a map and you will see it sandwiched perfectly between the South Downs on one side and Chichester Harbour on the other ; both of these are considered to be Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty , and along with stunning beaches , a beautiful and dramatic coastline , and plenty of modern amenities , Chichester really does have it all .
History in Brief
Chichester was an important area during the Roman invasion of 43AD ; it was where weapons were stored , and where soldiers built their barracks . In fact , so comfortable was the area around Chichester , that some of the more senior members of the Roman military decided to make it a more permanent place to live and built villas there . An aerial view of the city will show long , straight roads that radiate out from a central point – this is exactly how the Romans built roads , and something that Chichester has kept for millennia . As well as by building roads , the Romans branded Chichester with their recognisable stamp by also constructing a massive wall ( that measured in at almost seven-foot thick ), Roman baths , and an amphitheatre .
The Romans made way for the Anglo-Saxons towards the end of the fifth century AD . The Saxons were more than happy to make use of the buildings and structures that the Romans left behind , including the enormous city wall ... or what was left of it . In 878-879 , Alfred the Great concluded that whatever had been inside those walls must have been pretty special , so he rebuilt them and then rebuilt the city itself .
Chichester has remained an important and well-loved city for many centuries . It was even used as a bargaining tool and given as a gift when Roger de Montgomerie , first Earl of Shrewsbury , received the city in its entirely just after the Battle of Hastings , for fighting so well - the title ‘ Earl of Arundel ’ was created just so that the dominant landowner of the time could have a title . Today , the city is as popular as ever .
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