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 award-winning contemporary extension
has recently been added to house a fine 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 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
|
