 There
has been a City Council in Chichester for hundreds of years with
the first charter granted to the City in 1135 and the first known
Mayor being Emery de Rouen in 1239. In the Council Chamber name
boards give a chronological list of all mayors from 1532 to the
present day.
For many years the City Council was the only form of local government
in Chichester but in 1888 West Sussex County Council was formed
and 1974 saw the creation of Chichester District Council. This led
to the City Council losing many of its powers. However it still
retains the mayoralty and a number of important historic buildings
including the Council House, the Butter Market, the War Memorial
in Litten Gardens and the sixteenth century Market Cross that dominates
the centre of the City.
The City Council offices are in the Council House, North Street.
As well as respect for history, it also combines a dynamic and forward
looking approach in its dealings in day to day administration.
The City Council website provides information about news, annual
events and activities happening within Chichester.
Also in this historic building is the Council Chamber which is used
for Council meetings, the Old Court Room and Assembly Room which
can be hired for functions.
All three rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies. The Assembly
Room and Old Court Room are ideal for receptions.
The City of Chichester has the right to grant the “Freedom
of the City” to those whom the City wishes to honour. The
first recorded Freedom was given in 1901, some of the more recent
holders include the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, West Sussex
Fire Brigade Service, the current Duke of Richmond and Gordon and
the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery.
For further information or a visit, please contact: Chichester City
Council, North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LQ
Tel: 01243 788502
www.chichestercity.gov.uk
|
