Baptistry

Situated in the south-west tower, the Baptistry is home to a wonderful copper font used for baptisms. Commissioned by the Dean and Chapter and dedicated in 1983, the font is the work of British sculptor John Skelton. The painting, The Baptism of Christ, is by Hans Feibusch and was painted in 1951. Find out more here.

The City Walls

1800 years after they were first built, the Roman walls of Noviomagus Reginorum remain largely in place. A few gaps in the wall have been created - mostly at traffic points north, east, south and west of the city where old stone gateways have been removed – but the majority of the wall remains available to walk, guided by a tree-lined trail.

The Cathedral is positioned in the south-west corner of the encircling wall but as befits a bustling, busy city, there are points of interest in all four corners.

The Bishop’s Palace

The Bishop's Palace lies north of the eastern end of the gardens and, although not in the possession of the Dean and Chapter, it does share a significant history with the Cathedral.

Contained within the Palace lies a twelfth century chapel that has remained in use, and mostly unaltered, over the last 800 years.

The Cloisters and Paradise

Built in the 15th century, Chichester Cathedral’s cloisters have been a busy thoroughfare for over 600 years. As well as providing covered passage for clergy, lay staff and worshippers, the cloisters extend and enhance the visitor's experience, providing access to the Cathedral Close and Bishop’s Palace Gardens. They also house The Royal Chantry, where the Cathedral’s offices are to be found.

The Cathedral Close

The 16th century gateway into the Cathedral’s Historic Quarter from South Street has a double entrance that grants you access into Canon Lane. Beyond this stone entrance, Canon Lane runs straight to the opposite gateway, and into the Bishop’s Palace and gardens, at the west end.

Paths leading off from the northern side of Vicars’ Close join up to the Cathedral Cloisters.

Simon Bell
Simon Bell
Simon joined the Chapter in 2011 and has been associated with Chichester Cathedral since 2000. Simon has been a long standing member of the PCC in Oving and has been a member of the Chichester Deanery synod since 2004.
Read more