Pictures of Chichester Cathedral

a Cathedral in the town of Chichester, in the county of West Sussex

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About Chichester Cathedral

The Norman cathedral at Chichester was founded on its present site about 1080, and is still substantially the same building as that begun under Bishop Ralph de Luffa, who became Bishop of Chichester in 1091. A fire in 1187 led to considerable alterations and additions, later in the 15th century a central spire was added to the earlier tower and a separate bell-tower was added, this still stands to the west of the cathedral, but the central tower collapsed in 1861 and was replaced by the existing, graceful replica.

That the building was erected on the orders of William the Conqueror probably accounts for its striking resemblance to St.Stephen's at Caen, although the stone is from the Isle of Wight, not imported from Caen as was the practice at the time. There is also much use of Purbeck stone, particularly in the retrochoir at the eastern end, this is part of the late 12th and early 13th century building which is thought to have been modelled on the then new east end of Canterbury Cathedral which was rebuilt following a fire of 1184.

The interior of this wonderful old place is of exceptional beauty, it has a noble amount of historic treasures amongst which there is two stunning religious sculptures from the 12th century in the south choir aisle. Other features include, magnificent stained glass of the 14th century, the Chichester Relief's - two carved panels depicting parts of the storey of the raising of Lazarus which are regarded as outstanding examples of pre-Gothic sculpture, fine misericords, two Tudor paintings by Lambert Barnard, and portraits of past Bishop's, King's and Queen's of England. Visitors will also note a fine collection of church silver, a good library, and many monuments including seven by John Flaxman, of particular interest is the touching 14th century table tomb with the effigies of Richard Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel and his second wife Eleanor lying together with hands entwined.

From the 20th century the cathedral has modern works by Feibusch, Piper and Sutherland, these are in the form of tapestries, sculpture and stained glass. In the Sailors' Chapel is the pennant flown by Sir Francis Chichester on his epic solo voyage around the world in Gypsy Moth IV in 1966-7.

This is a beautiful cathedral, it preserves well its ancient past, has a cool serenity and is a constant source of fascination to all who visit.

There is a restaurant in the Cloisters and a gift shop in Bell Tower.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Chichester Cathedral.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Chichester Cathedral

Guildhall Museum, Chichester	(0.2 miles, 0.4 km)	Pictures
Chichester Cross	(0.2 miles, 0.4 km)	Pictures
Fishbourne Roman Palace	(1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction W)	Pictures
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum	(3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction E)	Pictures
Goodwood House	(3.2 miles, 5.1 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Boxgrove Priory	(3.8 miles, 6.0 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Weald & Downland Open Air Museum	(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction N)	Pictures
The South Downs	(8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction N)	Pictures
Uppark	(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction NW)	Pictures
East Hayling Light Railway	(9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction SW)	Pictures

All attractions in West Sussex
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Recommended towns near Chichester Cathedral

Chichester, in the county of West Sussex (0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
Chichester is a wonderful coastal town with a history of strong sea-faring traditions.
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Fishbourne, in the county of West Sussex (1.4 miles, 2.2 km, direction W)
This is a large village, it is a combination of Old Fishbourne and New Fishbourne. The discovery of the Roman Villa here confirms that this was a settlement during Roman times, if not before.
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Bosham, in the county of West Sussex (3.2 miles, 5.1 km, direction W)
Interesting little place with the picture post-card appeal of 'Sussex by the Sea' which for centuries has captivated artists from all over.
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Pagham, in the county of West Sussex (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction S)
A short distance from Chichester on the Sussex Heritage Coast lies the beautiful and unspoiled stretch of mud flats of Pagham Harbour, now a fascinating nature reserve of over 1,000 acres.
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Stoughton, in the county of West Sussex (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction NW)
This is a pleasant rural village lying between Chichesters' old harbour and the footpaths of the South Down's Way.
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West Wittering, in the county of West Sussex (6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction SW)
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Emsworth, in the county of Hampshire (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction W)
Super little yachting village tucked away between the many tidal creeks of Chichester Harbour.
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Selsey, in the county of West Sussex (7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction S)
This is a picturesque resort town with a dramatic low-lying headland known as Selsey Bill, from here there are lovely views towards famous Chichester Harbour and the little harbour at Pagham where there is a nature reserve.
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Hayling Island, in the county of Hampshire (8.7 miles, 14.1 km, direction W)
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Arundel, in the county of West Sussex (10.1 miles, 16.2 km, direction E)
This attractive hill-town is dominated by the sheer magnificence of its castle
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All towns in West Sussex
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Nearby travel help

Chichester Station	(0.4 miles, 0.7 km)
Fishbourne Station	(1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction W)
A3(M) Junction 5	(10.2 miles, 16.3 km, direction W)
A3(M) Junction 3	(10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction W)
Southampton Airport	(26.0 miles, 41.9 km, direction W)
London Gatwick Airport	(34.2 miles, 55.0 km, direction NE)
Chichester Cathedral to London	(54.5 miles, 87.6 km, direction NE)

Accommodation & Hotels near Chichester Cathedral

Hotel Name
Millstream Hotel and Restaurant	(3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction W)
The Woodstock House Hotel	(5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction N)
Navigator Hotel	(5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction SE)
The Royal Norfolk Hotel	(6.0 miles, 9.6 km, direction SE)
The White Horse	(6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction N)
Woodacre B & B	(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction E)
St Andrews Lodge Hotel	(7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction S)
The Brookfield Hotel	(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction W)
Waratah Lodge	(8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction W)
Swan Hotel	(10.1 miles, 16.3 km, direction E)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts