Chichester
Chichester is a very pleasant cathedral city in Sussex, at the foot of the South Downs and not far from the sea.
It was a Roman town named Noviomagus, and preserves its Roman street plan, with North, South, East and West Streets meeting where the superb 16th century Market Cross gives a wonderful visual element as well as useful shelter from unpleasant weather.
The City Walls also follow the Roman pattern. Like those at Canterbury, Chester and York, there is a walkway along stretches of the top.
Chichester Cathedral has a soaring spire, the only one that can be seen from the sea. St. Richard of Chirchester was a mediaeval Bishop. The cathedral is also the only one to boast a detached mediaeval Bell Tower.
The Pallant is a delightful little area which was fashionable in the Georgian period.
The Chichester Festival Theatre, opened in 1962 under the direction of Laurence Olivier, has established a fine reputation.
Present day industry includes the Shippams fishpaste factory.
A little to the West of Chichester is Fishbourne Roman Palace, to the North is Goodwood Racecourse and to the South is Chichester Harbour, popular with yachtsmen.
People born in Chichester include the actor Peter Baldwin; poet William Collins; and actor Michael Elphick, whose family of butchers were famed for the quality of their sausages. The singer Petula Clark spent her childhood in Chichester.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Chichester for groups.