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Pallant House
Pallant House, in North Pallant, was built by Henry Peckham between 1712 and 1713. It was built with great attention to detail and is a magnificent example of a prosperous merchant’s house of the Queen Anne period. The quality of workmanship is outstanding not least in the carved brickwork. Each window at the front of the house has a keystone with an armorial device carved into the brickwork. The two birds on the gateposts were intended to represent ostriches, which formed part of the crest of the Peckham family, but their rather awkward appearance gave rise to the nickname of ‘The Dodo House.’

It is now an art gallery and an architecturally challenging extension has recently been added to house a collection of modern art.


John Edes House
John Edes House, in West Street, was built in 1696, is the earliest important house in Chichester built in brick, and is a magnificent example of the later Stuart period. West Sussex County Council now uses it as offices. Rooms can be hired for meetings and exhibitions when it is open in part to the public.



The Market Cross
The Market Cross was given to the city in 1501 by Bishop Story as a place where the poor people of Chichester had the right to sell their goods without let or hindrance. It continued in use for nearly three hundred years, when it was replaced by the Butter Market or Market House as it was then known. In the past it was suggested that it was a traffic hazard and should be removed elsewhere, but this was resisted and with the coming of pedestrianisation this is no longer a threat. Nowadays it is a popular meeting place for residents and visitors alike.




The Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange with its classical façade dominates East Street. Built in 1830 it has had many uses since the corn auctions were held under its roof. Theatre performances were held there, and it was the site of the first moving picture performances in the City. As the Granada it was the last commercial cinema in the city. It then had various retail uses and even served as a fast food outlet, until in its present incarnation it houses a major clothing retailer who to their credit gave the building a major face-lift and revealed again its grandeur.




St. John’s Chapel
The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist was a proprietary chapel designed by John Elmes and opened in 1812. The chapel was one built and owned by the shareholders and maintained by the subscribers who paid an annual rent for their pews. Over the years, support dwindled and in 1973 the trustees passed the ownership to the Churches Conservation Trust. In recent years it has been refurbished and is used for concerts and recitals. It is a Grade I building noteworthy for its interior and its triple pulpit.

Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, St. John’s Street, Chichester


The Butter Market
The Butter Market, or the Market House as it was originally known, was opened in 1808, designed by the famous architect John Nash. The intention was to replace the Market Cross as a place for the small trader. It was originally a single storey building, but in 1900 an additional storey was added and this became an art school among whose students was Eric Gill. Over the years it was put to several uses, but today it is close to its original purpose. However, it is now in need of refurbishment and this is a task the City Council, its owner, is currently undertaking.




St Mary’s Hospital
St Mary’s Hospital in St. Martin’s Square was built in 1298 as an almshouse. It included living accommodation and a chapel. The living accommodation has been much improved over the years for the residents who still live in part of it. The chapel has some outstanding examples of misericords and regular services for the residents are still held. It can be visited, but only by appointment. It has flint walls and a huge roof, which sweeps down to within seven feet of the ground. In some ways its appearance is similar to a tithe barn. Tel: 01243 783377




The Guildhall
The Guildhall in Priory Park is the chancel of the Church of a Franciscan Friary which was established in the mid thirteenth century. The Friary was dissolved in 1538 as part of the campaign by Henry VIII against religious houses and the site given to the Mayor and citizens of Chichester. In 1541 the King sold the Friary Church to the City and it began a new life as the Chichester Guildhall. It was used for a variety of purposes, including trials. In 1806 William Blake was tried here for treason but found not guilty. It is now forms part of the Chichester District Museum.



The Cathedral
In 1075 a Cathedral was established in Chichester replacing one on an earlier site at Selsey. The original building was badly damaged by a fire in 1114 but rebuilt by 1184. This forms the basis of the present Cathedral. The spire was added in about 1400 but in 1861 it collapsed. It was rebuilt by 1866.

It contains many works of art ranging from the Arundel Tomb, (which inspired Philip Larkin’s poem), to modern works including those by Graham Sutherland, John Piper, Marc Chagall and Philip Jackson. There is a shop and restaurant in the Cloisters, guided tours are available and there is no charge for admission.

The Royal Chantry, Cathedral Cloisters, Chichester, PO19 1PX
www.chichestercathedral.org.uk
Tel: 01243 782595

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. A selection of pictures on this website provided courtesy of © J. Rob Campling.