Chichester, ENG - Postcode - PO19 6DF

Description of Chichester, England

Chichester, is a city and civil parish in West Sussex, England, known for its cathedral. From its earliest days as a Roman and Anglo-Saxon colony through the Norman and medieval periods, and into modern times, it has served as an important market town. Its cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, serves as the seat of the Church of England Diocese of Chichester.

Geography of Chichester

Upon reaching the point where the River Lavant emerges from the South Downs, you will find the city of Chichester. This Winterbourne now spends some of its time in culverts beneath the streets of the city. Several old trade routes converged in this strategic location, making it an ideal spot to establish a city. The city's medieval walls, which were constructed over Roman ruins, enclose the area that is several thousand years old. 

Chichester's entire Roman town is included in the conservation area that has been established due to the city's architectural and historic relevance and features numerous Grade I and II listed structures. The land around the former Graylingwell Hospital is protected as a separate conservation area to the north, while the freshly repaired canal basin and a section of the canal are now included in the Chichester Conservation Area to the south. Based on historical development, building type, usage, and activities, the Conservation Area has been divided into eight 'character' regions.

Culture of Chichester

The annual summer season at Chichester Festival Theatre draws in A-list performers, playwrights, and directors from London's West End and New York's theater scene.

The Pallant House Gallery, which was awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Best Gallery in 2007 for its outstanding collection of modern and contemporary British art, inaugurated a new wing in 2006 to house the works of Sir Colin St. John Wilson. It hosts a series of rotating exhibitions.

In 2001, Chichester welcomed the South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre, which presents a schedule of free public star displays in its 100-seat theater. A celebration called the Sloe Fair has been going strong on the city's Northgate parking lot since the 12th century.

The city's first and only art house theater, Chichester Cinema at New Park is located there. Daily showings include a mix of new releases, indies, and classics from bygone years. Every year in late August/early September, it plays host to a film festival that attracts thousands of people from all over the world. Dame Maggie Smith and Kenneth Branagh serve as vice presidents. Chichester Gate is home to a larger, multiplex theater. The Olympia Electric on Northgate was Chichester's old movie theater (1911-1922). the Gaumont on Eastgate Square, the Granada Exchange in the Corn Exchange, and the Plaza Cinema on South Street, all of which operated as movie theaters between the years of 1920 and 1980. (1937-1961, later the swimming baths).

Since 2010, the Chichester Open Mic has sponsored regular reading series featuring contemporary poets from the area. Poets Don Paterson (2010), Sam Willetts (2011), and David Harsent (2012) have all performed at its annual Poetry and All That Jazz event.  Approximately 2,400 square feet larger than the former museum in Little London, this new structure was designed by architect Keith Williams.