A tour of CHICHESTER, West Sussex, England - Cathedral City with Unique Stories!

Hi everyone! In this video, I explore Chichester, known locally as 'Chi'. It is the only city in West Sussex, and is perhaps most famous for its iconic 12th-century cathedral. However, this vlog shows that there is more to Chichester than its well-known sights. It is the stories of this city that will make you sit up and listen.

In this vlog, I give information you won't necessarily find in guide books or travel guides. Yes, it is long, but there is a lot to cover! I included chapters for ease of reference. I delve into the city's rich history, spanning Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman rule, as well as later influences like Georgian architecture, but also give unique facts about certain buildings, events and prominent people in the city's history.

The vlog begins with me in a park, discussing the critical views of Chichester by Francis Pigou and Daniel Defoe. I then head into the city, recounting my past experiences and showing a map of Chichester.

Next, I visit Chichester Cathedral, consecrated in 1108. I discuss its history, unique features like the spire and bell tower, and the Norman and Gothic architectural influences. I also explore the statue of Saint Richard, the Bishop's Palace Garden, and share a humorous tale about 16th-century cosmopolitan Chichester.

A visit to Canon Gate, built during Richard III's reign, leads me to the old Court of Piepowder. I then take a break at 'The Buttery' tearoom, debating the correct way to prepare a scone.

At the Market Cross, I talk about Chichester's market history, including weekly markets and the annual Sloe Fair. Moving along North Street, I explore the Butter Market and St. Olave's Church (or St. Olaf's Church). I also spot statues of George Murray and Admiral Nelson, and visit the Council House that has a Roman Stone found in 1723.

In Lion Street, I discuss Chichester's politics, including Brexit and historical Conservative rule, as well as an interesting story involving the Conservative MP at the time of the Boer War. I also see St. Mary's Hospital and St. Martin's Square.

Back on North Street, I notice art on Crane Street, visit a comic and game shop, and pass landmarks like The Old Cross, Fernleigh, and the Harbour Hotel, before reaching Priory Park.

In Priory Park, I notice the 13th-century Franciscan Friary, parts of the Roman wall, and a cricket pitch. I discuss the periods of Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman rule in Chichester. I then make a quick visit to Jubilee Gardens, the Gunpowder Store, and Little London.

After returning to the Market Cross, I walk down West Street, highlighting the Dolphin and Anchor, a pub in a church, Edes House, the connection of the Gill Sans font to the city, and the curious case of Chichester's empty homes. I encounter the remains of the old West Gate before returning to the Dolphin and Anchor to talk about 18th-century transport in the city.

A visit to Providence Chapel is followed by an interaction with locals and a fascinating story about the origins of Orchard Street. I also discuss Chichester in the late 18th and 19th centuries, and argue that despite economic progress for some, there were still poverty and social issues.

In East Street, I address 19th-century hygiene issues and the Corn Exchange. After visiting John Keats' statue and St. Pancras church I stroll through the Litten Gardens, where I discuss Chichester during World War I and World War II.

Towards the end, I cover the Cinema Referendum of 1937 and post-WWII life in Chichester. I visit the Pallants, Pallant House, All Saints chapel, and the train station, where I end the vlog and catch a train back to Brighton.

Sources consulted includes Philip MacDougall's 'The Story of Chichester'.

Get ready to explore Chichester like never before!

Willie

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:11 Start of adventure
3:53 Cathedral feat history, spire, bell tower & Saint Richard
13:00 Bishop's Palace Gardens feat population
17:35 Canon Lane
20:15 Tea and scone
23:00 Market history feat Market Cross
26:35 North Street start
26:51 Butter Market
28:10 St. Olave's Church
29:12 George Murray
29:33 Council Chamber feat Roman stone
30:38 Lion Street feat politics & St. Mary's Hospital
34:22 Hudson artwork
34:50 Comics & games
35:54 The Old Cross
36:37 Fernleigh House
36:53 Fire insurance mark
37:18 Harbour Hotel
37:47 Priory Park feat Roman, Anglo-Saxon & Norman history
45:34 Jubilee Gardens
46:33 Gunpowder Store
46:58 Little London
47:17 West Street start
48:26 Church pub
49:42 Edes House
52:52 Gill Sans
53:38 Empty homes
54:59 Transport in 1700s feat Dolphin and Anchor
56:45 Providence Chapel
58:08 Chichester locals
58:48 Orchard Street
59:31 Late 18th and 19th century Chichester
1:02:30 East Street & hygiene
1:03:50 Corn Exchange
1:06:51 John Keats
1:07:32 St. Pancras
1:08:17 Litten Gardens feat World War I and World War II
1:15:57 Cinema Referendum 1937
1:17:19 Post war era
1:19:00 Pallants
1:20:00 Pallant House
1:21:29 All Saints
1:22:38 Trains
1:24:00 Close
1:24:33 Bloopers