Chichester Cathedral Religious Site
Norman cathedral in Chichester with medieval furnishings
Norman-origin cathedral in Chichester city centre, notable for its 12th-century plan, spire, medieval and modern stained glass and regular choral services.
Chichester Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Chichester in the city of Chichester, West Sussex, England. The cathedral was founded in the late 11th century following the Norman reorganization of the English church.
The building displays a mix of Norman and later medieval Gothic architecture, with a notable nave and chancel area that contain historic carved details and memorials. Visitors also come to see the crypt, the cathedral close, and the collection of ecclesiastical fittings and tombs.
Established soon after the Norman Conquest, the cathedral was built to serve the newly located episcopal see and was expanded and altered across the medieval period. It has undergone restoration and repair in subsequent centuries while retaining core medieval fabric.
The cathedral stands within Chichester city centre in West Sussex, close to the city streets, market square, and civic buildings, and is easily reached on foot from local transport points.
- Founding: Founded in the years after the Norman Conquest, the cathedral has an origin date in the late 11th century and remains the seat of the Bishop of Chichester.
What to See#
- Crypt: The cathedral's Norman-era crypt, one of the older surviving parts of the structure, located below the eastern end and showing early Romanesque masonry.
- Nave and chancel: The main nave and chancel, featuring medieval stonework, choir stalls, and historic tombs of regional bishops and patrons.
- Close and precincts: The Cathedral Close and surrounding precincts that frame views of the building and provide pedestrian access from the city centre.
How to Get to Chichester Cathedral#
Chichester Cathedral sits in the heart of Chichester city. The cathedral is about a 10-15 minute walk (roughly 0.5-1 km) from Chichester railway station and is well signed from the city centre.
Trains run to Chichester from London (Victoria) and from Portsmouth/Southampton; by road the city is served by the A27 and local A-roads and the cathedral is an easy short walk from central Chichester car parks.
Tips for Visiting Chichester Cathedral#
- Time a visit to coincide with Evensong or another sung service to hear the cathedral choir-this gives a much richer sense of the interior than a quick walk-through.
- Arrive early in the day to enjoy the nave and the calm of the cathedral close before local school groups and tour parties arrive.
- Make a short detour around the cathedral close and adjoining gardens to see the exterior architecture and the peaceful grounds that many visitors skip.
Best Time to Visit Chichester Cathedral#
For quieter interior visits, aim for weekday mornings in the off-peak months; spring-early autumn is busiest and most comfortable outside.
Weather & Climate near Chichester Cathedral#
Chichester Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (840 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.