Nine centuries of Sussex history unfold through artefacts revealing stories of resilience, rebellion and reformation.
To celebrate its 950th anniversary in 2025, Chichester Cathedral presents Religion, Rebellion & Reformation, a compelling exhibition curated by its Canon Treasurer, the Reverend Canon Vanessa Baron.
Running from 14th February to 15th November 2025, the exhibition is at the heart of the Cathedral’s Chichester950 celebrations. Featuring artefacts and treasures contributed by local parishes and community groups, it brings together pieces from churches, archives and libraries across the Diocese of Chichester, which spans over 100 miles through East and West Sussex.
Covering 950 years of history, each artefact represents a century of Sussex heritage, uncovering stories of faith, resilience and transformation through the lives of educators, thinkers, reformers and rebels.
The exhibition includes medieval Bishops’ rings, a 12th-century reliquary, a 15th-century theological treatise and a Bible carried into the trenches during World War I. Together, these artefacts offer a profound insight into Sussex’s heritage and its ties to the Christian faith.
The Reverend Canon Vanessa Baron said: "Faith is intricately woven into the exhibition. Each artefact speaks of how faith has provided strength, hope and purpose for both lay and ordained individuals across the centuries."
Human stories across centuries
The artefacts featured in the display each embody the challenges and transformations of its time, inviting visitors to reflect on the role faith has in shaping lives. Through themes of religion, rebellion and reformation, the exhibition explores how faith has influenced responses to hardship, conflict and change.
"It’s important to stress that this exhibition is not only about faith; it is about human stories. The Cathedral isn’t solely a religious building—it belongs to everyone. The compelling stories within this exhibition are as much a part of Sussex history as they are of Christianity."
Canon Vanessa added: “We face many of the same challenges today as our ancestors did. The questions of faith and resilience are timeless.”
Who will you meet?
Starting in 1075, each artefact tells the story of individuals whose faith and resilience helped shape Sussex and the Cathedral’s enduring role in the community. Highlights include:
12th Century: Rings and crozier heads from the Cathedral Treasury, symbolising the wealth and influence of Chichester’s early bishops, are displayed alongside a beautifully crafted reliquary from 1140 that reflects the importance of saintly relics.
13th Century: The life of St Richard, reformer and saint of Sussex, is celebrated. Known for his dedication to the clergy and local people, he became a central figure in Sussex’s religious history. The Coombes Crucifix, an exquisite piece from Limoges found in Lancing, contrasts with a simple wooden cross made in WWI trenches, capturing faith’s endurance through vastly different eras.
15th Century: A rare copy of a theological manuscript by Bishop Reginald Peacock, the first to be written in English, embodies the period’s intellectual and reformist spirit. Peacock’s challenging views eventually led to his condemnation as a heretic.
17th Century: The Ashburnham Chalice and a 1662 edition of the Book of Common Prayer represent a time of restored stability and unity following years of civil unrest, marking a period when religious texts played a vital role in English life.
19th Century: Records from the Society of St. Margaret honour the dedication of Sussex nuns who lived among the sick and needy, embodying compassion and resilience. Visitors will also learn about Bishop Hannington (connected to the Brighton department store), the first Bishop of East Equatorial Africa, whose mission work ended in martyrdom in Uganda.
20th Century: A soldier’s Bible from WWI and the SS Mendi Memorial Stick commemorate lives lost in wartime, paying tribute to the enduring comfort faith has provided during moments of loss and hardship. Visitors can also learn about Reverend Arthur Wagner, a Brighton philanthropist committed to uplifting the city’s poor communities.
Visitors are invited to reflect on the exhibition’s enduring questions: What are your beliefs? What does faith mean to you in life’s challenges? How do you respond to suffering? This immersive experience encourages contemplation on how faith, past and present, shapes our responses to fundamental questions.
Canon Vanessa concluded: “This exhibition is not only a celebration of 950 years of Chichester Cathedral; it is an opportunity for visitors to learn and reflect on the shared history and heritage of Sussex.”
Other anniversary events and activities scheduled to take place in 2025 as part of Chichester950 include a concert marking the 60th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms on Saturday 17th May 2025. Together in Unity will also feature an exciting new choral composition which has been specially commissioned for the 950th anniversary.
TrinityFest on the Green on Sunday 15th June 2025 offers a vibrant celebration marking the Feast of the Holy Trinity, to which the Cathedral is dedicated.
The world-class Cathedral Choir will perform in a special candlelit gala concert in the company of much-loved British composer, Sir John Rutter on Saturday 11th October 2025. Chichester950 will conclude with a spectacular light show during October half term, from Friday 24th - Friday 31st October 2025. This immersive light and sound installation will transform the Cathedral, bringing its 950-year history to life in an awe-inspiring display.
To find out more about Chichester950 and the programme of events, click the button below.