Chichester is a historic town that traces its lineage back to Roman times. There are several cool things to enjoy there. But the main event is Chichester Cathedral.
Honestly, it’s one of the best medieval cathedrals in England, definitely giving the undisputed superstar Canterbury Cathedral a bit of a run for its historical money.
For over 900 years, the cathedral was the hub of the city’s Christian life. Founded by Bishop Luffa in 1091, the ancient cathedral was largely destroyed in 1114. But it was rapidly rebuilt and completed by 1123.
As you tour the cathedral, you’ll find that much of the architecture dates from the Norman period: the nave, chapels, quire, and clerestory. Other portions date from the Early English style of design.
This is old stuff. Age, quirks, and interior drama.
What To See In Chichester Cathedral
Facade
The facade is a bit of a mash up.
It’s largely Early English Gothic (13th century), with tall lancet windows and minimal ornamentation. Instead of the dramatic sculptural decoration you see at places like Wells Cathedral or Salisbury Cathedral, Chichester keeps things cleaner with thick Norman walls.
You’ll see a central doorway with pointed arches and a row of blind arcading above.
The original spire collapsed in 1861 and was rebuilt almost exactly as it was. It’s a slender Gothic spire rising from the central tower rather than the western end like many English cathedrals. It’s unusually tall for the building’s scale and gives Chichester its distinctive skyline.
One of its quirks is the freestanding medieval campanile (bell tower) on the south side. It’s the only one of its kind attached to an English cathedral.
Interior
Nave
The nave is one of the earliest Norman interiors still standing in an English cathedral. The mix of Romanesque and early Gothic are still visible today.
There are massive round pillars with cushion capitals, classic Romanesque heft.
And look for the round arches in the lower arcade, with later pointed Gothic arches added above.
Arundel Tomb
The Arundel Tomb is a must see. It’s the sarcophagus of Richard Fitz Alan and his countess.
The tomb depicts the couple in a posture of holding hands, very unusual for medieval effigies.
It’s unclear if that’s the way it always was. There’s some conjecture that it’s a 19th century restoration.
The vaulted Arundel screen was built in 1475 on the order of the Bishop of Chichester.
Sherbourne Effigy
The effigy of Bishop Robert Sherbourne is worth a stop. He wasn’t just a churchman. He was a political operator with sharp elbows, serving as a counselor to Henry VII and later Henry VIII.
What makes him interesting is his survival instinct. When Henry VIII blew up ties with the Vatican, most bishops either dug in or lost their heads.
Sherbourne managed to stay in favor and keep his seat, slipping through the fractures of the Reformation without getting crushed.
His alabaster tomb shows him in full episcopal gear, hands clasped, serene as if the Tudor court wasn’t a snake pit. It’s a quiet flex from a man who knew how to outlast a monarch.
Lady Chapel & Art Collection
Tucked at the far east end, the Lady Chapel is 14th century and much more delicate than the nave. It has pointed Gothic windows with stone tracery and decorative details that hint at the shift toward Perpendicular Gothic style
The chapel later became home to some of the cathedral’s most famous art, including tapestries and modern commissions.
But it’s religious art by religious artists, and I’m ashamed to say I didn’t recognize a single name.
But I like that the cathedral blends medieval and contemporary art. You’ll find pieces by Graham Sutherland, Ursual Benker-Schirmer, and Phillip Jackson. I liked Sutherland’s “Noli Me Tangere” from 1969 best.
The chapel was fairly recently restored between 2007 and 2009, The major refurbishment revealed and reintroduced original color in the vault ribs (vermilion, blue, green, red, gold) in parts of the eastern end.
Chagall Window
Taking a page from Reims Cathedral in France, the artist Marc Chagall designed the stained glass window in the south transept in 1987.
It depicts the theme of Psalm 150.
The imagery is classic Chagall: lyrical, dreamlike color with angels, birds, fish, musical instruments, and flowing forms that suggest creation rejoicing. It’s less narrative and more a visual hymn of praise.
I love it. It’s bright and abstract, a riot of red and blue. It gives a nice touch of modernity to such an ancient place.
Shrine of St. Richard
This is probably the famous place in the cathedral. Richard of Wych gained renown in his age for successfully defeating Henry III’s attempt to block his election a Bishop of Chichester.
His stalwart attitude, coupled with plenty of piety, led to his canonization in 1262. Chichester immediately became popular as a place of pilgrimage.
In 1276, his body was “translated” (or moved) from a chapel to a platform in the quire. Edward I presided over the solemn event.
The shrine, unfortunately, was destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII, despite the bishop’s pro-Henry posture. Today, the site of the shrine has been endowed with a lovely altar and tapestry.
It’s still the third most important in the land, after the shrines of St. Thomas à Becket at Canterbury and Our Lady at Walsingham.
Cloisters
The cloisters were built in the 15th century, so they’re a bit “young” compared to parts of the cathedral that go back to Norman or early Gothic periods.
They form three covered passageways on the south side of the cathedral: the eastern arm, western arm, and the southern arm.
These arms enclose a quadrangle (a “garth” or garden) that is known as Paradise.
Practical Information For Chichester Cathedral
Address: West Street, Chichester, West Sussex
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday–Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Admission: There is no fixed admission charge; entry is by donation. The Cathedral recommends a donation of about £7.00 per visitor.
Note: Neither the bell tower nor the spire are open to the public. So Ono climbing here!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Chichester Cathedral. You may find these other UK travel guides useful:
- 10 days in England itinerary
- Medieval road trip itinerary
- UNESCO sites in England
- One week County Kent itinerary
- Things to do in Sussex
- 5 Day Itinerary for London
- Prettiest villages in England
- Hidden Gems in London
- Best Castles in England
- Best Museums in London
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