The History of the Chichester Harbour

The Romans who originally resided in Chichester only resided here for a short period of time. Cogidnubus the King of Sussex made a decision to turn the once popular fort into a town.  The Romans named the town Noviomagus also known as the new marketplace. Very few changes have been made to the layout of the town since then including the main streets (East, South, West, and North) which reside as they were originally.

The famous town walls were built during the start of the 3rd Century in order to keep the city safe from surprise attacks, and during the 4th Century were reinforced with bastions for guards to use. The entertainment back then included the amphitheatre were fans could watch gladiators fought until one died. Another popular attraction back then was the public baths not only for washing up but for everyone to socialize as well. The public bath was located on Chapel street and had become a popular hangout for the Roman population.

Many of the Romans made money by a specific craft including pottery, blacksmithing, carpentry, and leather working. This brought in a lot of business and earned the town quite a bit of money but unfortunately the workers were all for the most part poor. Most of the rich population lived in the town centre in big homes made for comfort. The town centre was highlighted with beautiful mosaicked floors and a hypocaust also known as a central heating system.

The Romans had left Britain by 408AD. After that no one really knows if the town became abandon or if a small amount of individuals remained but the Saxons took over just awhile longer.  This town was used as a defense city against invaders. It was this set of individuals who gave the city Chichester a new name which originated from a Saxton name “Ceaster’ and “Cissa”. The name changed over time from Cissa’s Ceaster, to Cisscester, and then to Chichester.

Chichester at one time had its own castle which was constructed in the now known as Priority Park. The castle was built of wood and created on a manmade hill. The motte is still standing today but the castle is no more.

The most famous landmark found I Chichester is the cathedral that was originally designed in 1091. One of its best features was the bell tower than many individuals often paid visits to. After being burned the bell was then moved to a different area of the tower and was later replaced with a spire. In 1861, the cathedral was brought down by a severe storm that luckily didn’t injure anyone. The cathedral was later built.

During the Middle Ages in Chicester Saint Richard was born. He was the reigning bishop of Chichester from the dates 1245 thru 1253, was later given the honor of being named the matron of Sussex. The hospital located in the area is now named after him and a grand statute of him can be found in the cathedrals Western wall.

Chichester could be the perfect place to getaway for a vacation alone or with your family. While visiting you should consider staying at Crouchers Country Hotel which will not only be comfortable during your stay but offers a historic feel to it as well.