Discovered in 1829 behind the woodwork of the choir stalls, these two carved stones have been dated to the second quarter of the 12th century, making them one of the earliest pieces of art in the Cathedral. They depict two scenes, Christ arriving in Bethany and the Raising of Lazarus, and are currently on display in the South Nave Aisle. Find out more here.
Considered the spiritual heart of a church, the High Altar represents the ‘Holy Table’, a sacred place for gifts and prayers to be offered to God.
Created in 1968 by the sculptor Philip Jackson, the bronze statue of ‘Christ in Judgement’ is positioned in the Retroquire above the entrance to the Lady Chapel. The subject of the statue is the final judgement of the world by Jesus, a popular theme in religious art pieces. Find out more here.
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.