About Chichester in West Sussex

Chichester is a historic city in West Sussex, England. It is the only city in West Sussex and is its county town. The city is located on the River Lavant, about 10 miles (16 km) from its modern mouth at Selsey Bill. The city centre is at an elevation of about 24 metres (79 ft) above sea level. Chichester's history is very long, dating back to Roman times when the city was known as Noviomagus Reginorum, or 'Newmarket by the Regni tribe'. The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Sussex and was briefly occupied by the invading Danes in the 9th century. It was recaptured by the English in 933. The city's Cathedral was founded in 1075 by St Wilfrid and became a Benedictine Abbey. A castle was built in the 11th century, which was later destroyed by King John in 1216. The city was rebuilt in the 13th century and became a walled town. It prospered as a market town and was given a charter by King Edward I in 1289. Chichester became a county corporate in 1487 and was represented in Parliament from 1550. The city walls were dismantled in the 18th century and the city grew rapidly, with new industries such as coach-building, malting, brewing and sail-making developing in the 19th century. Chichester Harbour is one of the few remaining natural harbours in Southern England and is an important site for nature conservation. The city is home to many historic buildings, including the Cathedral, City Hall, Guildhall and Market Cross. It is also home to Chichester Festival Theatre, which stages many popular theatrical productions each year.