Former Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Chichester, England Verified listing

Former Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Chichester, England

Chichester Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, stands proudly in Chichester, West Sussex, England. It serves as the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Chichester and plays a vital role in the region’s religious life. Founded in 1075, the cathedral replaced Selsey as the bishop’s seat, marking a pivotal moment in church history.

The cathedral showcases Norman and Gothic architectural styles. Ian Nairn, a prominent architectural critic, described it as “the most typical English cathedral,” emphasizing its traditional design. Chichester Cathedral features two unique elements. Firstly, it has a free-standing medieval bell tower (or campanile), which is rare among English cathedrals. Secondly, it boasts double aisles, a feature that enhances the cathedral's interior space.

Inside, visitors can view two rare medieval sculptures. The cathedral also holds a collection of modern art, including tapestries, stained glass, and sculptures. Walter Hussey, who served as Dean from 1955 to 1977, commissioned many of these artworks. His efforts bridged the medieval and modern artistic traditions.

Despite its small size, Chichester retains Roman street layouts, including two main cross streets. Daniel Defoe humorously noted that the city could fit its entire population inside the cathedral. The cathedral’s spire, the third tallest in England, serves as a landmark visible from the sea. In the years following WWII, the cathedral replaced its copper roof with grey lead, which offers greater protection against the harsh coastal weather.

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