This year marks the 950th anniversary of Chichester Cathedral, a beacon of faith, culture and community that sits at the heart of Chichester city centre.
The Cathedral is honouring this monumental occasion with a year of celebrations including an exhibition, a city street party, a spectacular light show, exciting concerts and much more, all under the banner of Chichester950. You can find information on all of the events taking place here, but for now… how much do you really know about this historic landmark? Keep reading for 10 fascinating things you didn’t know about Chichester Cathedral…
- Although this year we celebrate 950 years of the Cathedral being in Chichester, the Cathedral’s history actually dates back to 681 when Saint Wilfred established a Cathedral in nearby Selsey. In 1075, the Council of London decreed the area of a bishop’s jurisdiction should be in cities or larger towns and so the See at Selsey was moved to Chichester.
- The original building construction took 33 years to complete and was consecrated to the Holy Trinity in 1108. However, the Cathedral as we know it has undergone many changes since that initial structure.
- The Cathedral’s spire was hit by lightning in 1721. The damaged spire finally collapsed in on itself during high winds in 1861. No one was hurt but the damage was extensive. A fund was set up to rebuild the spire which received donations from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- The Cathedral is unique in that it has a separate free-standing medieval bell tower. This is still used by 15 bell-ringers who have to climb 84 steps every Sunday!
- Chichester Cathedral is the only English medieval cathedral that can be seen from the sea.
- The Cathedral and grounds take up a quarter of Chichester city centre, known as the Southern Quarter.
- In the 18th century the Cathedral library was used as a public library. It was one of the very first cathedral libraries ever to be used like this and was important for the growth of Chichester as everyday people, including women, could use it.
- Did you know that there are some famous names interred at Chichester Cathedral including composer of The Planets, Gustav Holst? Holst’s ashes are buried in the North Transept of the Cathedral, just below a memorial to Thomas Weelkes, his favourite Tudor composer.
- Chichester Cathedral is home to a family of peregrine falcons. The peregrine falcons have been coming to the cathedral for many years to nest, delighting the local community. Their nest can even be viewed virtually via a live stream on the Chichester Cathedral website.
- In 1966 remnants of a Roman mosaic was discovered deep under the Cathedral floor. Believed to be part of a public building, the remains of six additional rooms from the same time have also been identified extending out beneath the south east precinct.
You can discover more fascinating stories, as well as artefacts and treasures, celebrating the history of Chichester Cathedral and the area of Sussex, at the exhibition Religion, Rebellion & Reformation. The exhibition will be running from the 14th February to 15th November 2025 at Chichester Cathedral, find out more here.