Sussex landmark celebrates 950th anniversary
Some things are ever-present to a point when we no longer regard them as remarkable. I’ve always ignored Chichester Cathedral, its elegant spire looming over West Sussex’s only city. This ancient church not only provides the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Chichester but remains a reminder of the area’s immense status during a long period of English history. Now the iconic landmark is about to celebrate its 950th anniversary next year.

“In 1075, the decision was made to move the seat of the Bishop from Selsey up to Chichester, which was an old Roman city that was a little bit more influential,” says Cathedral’s Visitor Experience Manager, Rebecca Lewry-Gray. “William the Conqueror had come along and wanted to strengthen his position.”




She tells me she’s been working on the estate for five years, but still feels dwarfed by this immense building. “Especially when I go into the roof structure, which is mediaeval woodwork and ancient stone. But my five years are a drop in the ocean. The cathedral is an incredible microcosm of Sussex history. There’s a Roman mosaic from the second century and upon that there’s layers and layers of history.”
Measuring 124 m by 48 m, with a spire height of 84 m, the cathedral has survived fires, and remodelling, continuing to provide an important part of religious, cultural and civic life across the county. “The cathedral is like looking back through history. She started off as a Norman building, with parts being added, some burning down and others being enhanced. It’s like a living tapestry of different architectural styles. Extending that metaphor, it’s almost like cake. You’ve got layers and decoration, and various bishops and Deans have left their mark.”




Frustratingly, past keepers of the building didn’t document their endeavours quite as much as historians might have liked. That’s not to say Chichester Cathedral doesn’t house a fascinating archive of materials. There are ancient items, but the city has seen several periods of strife, including the Cathedral being sacked during the English Civil War. “Precious pieces were taken away and melted down. There’s a lot we are missing, but we do have some incredible academics, architects and archaeologists around us, who are passionate about researching all these things.”
As the Chichester Cathedral readies to enter its 950th year, details are emerging of some special celebrations, which offer a neat encapsulation of the church’s various cultural and social activities. “We really wanted to focus on our four pillars,” Lewry-Gray tells me. “We’ve got a new vision which ensures our activities reflect our community and diocese. We are a working place of worship, but also a heritage destination as well. Many people come through the door to experience music, history, art and the rich tapestry of the building. We went to our various departments and spoke about the things which we’re really proud of, and the things we can all celebrate about the cathedral.” Now branded Chichester950, this year-long celebration brings together exhibitions, concerts and community events, all culminating with a spectacular light show next October. It will reinforce the Cathedral’s presence as a beacon of faith, spirituality and community, while platforming some of the building’s incredible history.




At the heart of the celebrations is Religion, Rebellion & Reformation, a landmark show featuring nine objects from across East and West Sussex – each representing a century in history. Running on Fri 14 Feb – Sat 15 Nov, it will show how Christian faith shaped, not just the Cathedral’s history, but the lives of people across the two counties.
Recognizing the Cathedral’s renowned musical heritage, as well as its global status, there’s a special concert marking the 60th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms which will take place on Sat 17 May. “There’s been a bit of ‘Bernstein mania’ over the last couple of years, especially after the film with Bradley Cooper. The Chichester Psalms are so important for us, so obviously we wanted to celebrate them.”




Other events take to the Cathedral’s picturesque grounds, including TrinityFest Sat 15 June. This vibrant celebration marks the Feast of the Holy Trinity, to which the Cathedral is dedicated, offering music, food and culture. “Essentially, it’s a big summer festival, bringing in the whole of the city, closing roads, and welcoming everyone.”
The Chichester950 calendar concludes with a spectacular light and sound show on Fri 24 – Fri 31 Oct, where immersive installations will transform the Cathedral with awe-inspiring displays. “It’s something we haven’t done for a fair few years, but we’ll be bringing our nine-century span to life. We’re working with the artist Peter Walker, who is part of Luxmuralis. He’s developing something which is specific to our site. It’s kind of a walk-through experience.”
Lewry-Gray tells me her role involves programming ‘disruptive offerings’. “This is the line we always use… Offering things which people might not expect from a cathedral.” She says Chichester is the original Modern Art church – holding works by John Piper, Patrick Procktor, Graham Sutherland and Mark Chagall. “I think we have a legacy that we want to continue. We’ve had some quite revolutionary Bishops and Deans, who have been personally interested in the arts.”




The Cathedral’s regular public program is expansive, offering things which celebrate the fabric of this remarkable building, like talks or spire visits – from where you can see the Downs or the Isle of Wight. There’s obviously a question around what this millennium might hold for Chichester Cathedral. Dr Edward Elder is the new dean, taking the building into the middle of the centrum. “I’m imagining he has a strong vision of what the next 950 years might hold. This is a place of community, for people of all types of faith. It’s a building for all. We want to be as accessible as we possibly can. But for now, we’re excited. A big anniversary like this doesn’t come along every year.”
To find out more about Chichester950 and the programme of events visit: www.chichester950.org.uk