Located outside Chichester Cathedral, at its northwest corner, stands a larger than life-size bronze statue of a cloaked St. Richard, created by Philip Jackson.
In his left hand St. Richard grasps both a roped scourge, a symbol of self-discipline, and the edge of his cloak. His outstretched right arm makes the sign of a holy blessing.
Chichester is the only English Cathedral with a surviving detached medieval Bell Tower, or ‘campanile’; it dates from around 1400. The tower is in regular use by the Cathedral’s bell ringers and the Bell Tower Drop-in project which provides an activity space for children after school. The historic Bell Tower is in need of restoration and was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2016.
Adjacent to the Cathedral Green, and at the top of Vicars’ Close, stands Vicars’ Hall. This atmospheric medieval hall was once the meeting place of the ‘Vicars’ Choral’ who lived in Vicars’ Close and worked for the Cathedral Canons. Vicars’ Hall is still a much-used meeting place for Cathedral and community functions, and this historic venue is also available for private hire.
Close to the South Street end of Canon Lane, Vicars’ Close connects travellers to the Cathedral Cloisters via a picture perfect row of terraced houses. These houses were once the homes of the ‘Vicars’ Choral’, deputies to the Canons who governed the Cathedral.
1800 years after they were first built, the Roman walls of Noviomagus Reginorum remain largely in place. The Cathedral is positioned in the south-west corner of the encircling wall, the majority of which remains available to walk in the Bishop’s Palace Gardens.
These gorgeous gardens offer an oasis in the city centre. The gardens date back to 1147 and have recently benefited from a major refurbishment. Open from 8am until dusk, the gardens are just a short stroll from the Cathedral.
This former archdeaconry has been beautifully restored to accommodate eight en-suite bedrooms offering bed and breakfast. The house can also be hired for retreats, meetings, functions and weddings. This is a very special venue, nestled in the peaceful and beautiful Cathedral Close but also right in the middle of the city, just steps away from all that it offers.
This picturesque pathway invites you to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims from across the ages – for centuries, this route has used by pilgrims to approach the Cathedral. St Richard’s Walk gives a fine view of the Cathedral spire, and in the other direction, the Deanery, one of the finest Georgian houses in Chichester, built in 1725.
Enclosed within the Cloisters lies Paradise, the central area. Paradise is a living churchyard and place of burial, and is open daily as a place of quiet reflection. In this space you are invited to remember those ‘whom you love, but see no longer’.
Built in the 15th century, Chichester Cathedral’s historic Cloisters have been a busy thoroughfare for over 600 years. As well as providing covered passage for clergy and worshippers, the Cloisters extend the visitors’ experience to the historic Cathedral Close and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Gardens.