Construction on Chichester Cathedral began in 1075, with the Norman’s moving Bishops into more populated areas. With this post I’ve learned that a “Bishopric” is an older term for what we would now call a Diocese, and that a “see” in the same context, is from the Latin “the seat” (of the Bishop). You learn something everyday! Anyway, once moved into the centre of Chichester the cathedral was begun, finished and was consecrated in 1108. A fire destroyed much of the town including the cathedral in 1187, so major rebuilding happened and it was re-consecrated in 1199. I’m sure you will remember that I’m gradually photographing all 42 Anglican cathedrals on XP2 – this is another!
Richard of Wych was the Bishop of Chichester from 1245-1253, he was Canonised by Pope Urban in 1262. He is now the Patron Saint of Sussex. In 1276 his body was translated (meaning moved, another thing I’ve learnt!) and a shrine built. This became a place of pilgrimage but in 1538 with the dissolution of the monasteries it was destroyed, all this time later an alter is now on the site of the shrine (below).
The cathedral also has two very large paintings on Oak panels, showing possibly the first full length portrait of Henry VIII in England.
As usual I just wandered about photographing things that caught my eye. I was surprised but happy to see a plaque, marking the final resting place of the ashes of Gustav Holst, who was a great friend of Bishop George Bell. Below is an image of the Lady Chapel that I’m quite pleased with, perhaps the best I made that day!
I enjoyed walking around both around the cathedral and Chichester in general. If you are ever in the area – it’s well worth a visit! Photographically all of these images were made on XP2 with the exception of one, which was the last on a roll of Foma 200 – but can you tell which one? 🙂
