Chichester is a city in the south of England, in the county of West Sussex. It consists of its county town with a population itself of about 25,000, and in its administrative district, having a population of just over 100,000 people. It is also the administrative centre for the Chichester district.

The area is believed to have been a bridgehead for the Roman invasion of Britain and the city centre stands on the foundations of the Roman city of Noviomagus. It was captured towards the close of the fifth century, by Aella, and renamed after his son, Cissa , the second king of the South Saxons, who made it the royal residence and capital of his dominions. The city streets have a cross-shaped layout, inherited from the Romans: radiating outwards from the medieval market cross lead the North, South, East and West shopping streets . Quite a lot of the city walls are in place, and may be walked along for some of their length.

Chichester cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and contains a shrine to Saint Richard of Chichester. Its spire, built of the weak local stone, collapsed suddenly and was rebuilt during the 19th century. Within the nave of the cathedral can be seen the remains of a Roman mosaic pavement.

Chichester is famous for the annual Chichester Festivities, in which the Chichester Festival Theatre plays great prominence.

Chichester is home to the Prebendal School established in 1497.

Close to Chichester is the important Roman site of Fishbourne.

Bibliography

• Alec Down. Roman Chichester. Chichester: Phillimore, 1988. ISBN 0850334357