A Tour of Chichester Cathedral

Helloooooooo!

On Saturday morning I walked through the busy pedestrian streets of Chichester and headed towards the famous Chichester Cathedral, saving souls since opening for business in 1075. 

1075!

First, I had to circumnavigate the Chichester Market Cross, built only a few years ago, in around 1500, so that "the poor people should have somewhere to sell their wares." This weekend, at least, it was fronted by a stall belonging to a charity organization, complete with — for some reason — a dalek.

The clock worked, too!

About 50 meters behind the Market Cross is the cathedral itself.

The weather, needless to say, was terrible

I went in and paid to take the formal tour, but first needed to make a pit stop.

Neat!

A few minutes later I found myself part of a 10-person group led competently by the woman who identified herself, presumably accurately, as "Sue."

Sue

As we started I was struck both by the many-many-century-old tapestry of all the cathedral's bishops, but also by the giant window, allowing all that light outside, and the green of the tree. It really was a nice afternoon.

Bishops below

Walking around the church I found myself noticing the really kind words on the memorial plaques along the walls. I think, were I ever to die, I would not mind being remembered thus.

"Distinguished by uncommon powers of genius and understanding!"

On this one it's the inscription on the bottom, from his grandmother, that really stood out to me.

"Amiable and most endearing." You could do worse.

There was a stained glass window by Marc Chagall.

I like Chagall, but I think he may have overdone the red here ...

Bishop Langdon's tomb has seen better days, but then, after 700 years, maybe that's not such a surprise.

We ended up at the famous Arundel tomb, which figures, clasping hands in an unusual romantic gesture, inspired Philip Larkin to a poem, helpfully provided by the Cathedral.

Even the cynic has to find this touching

I prefer "This Be The Verse"

And that was it! We thanked Sue and headed back into the sunlight.