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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Chichester
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(27,000 in 1991)
County town and administrative centre of West Sussex. The Roman origins of the town (with *Fishbourne Roman Palace nearby) are reflected in the four straight streets which quarter the city and meet at the central Market Cross, an elaborately carved structure of 1501. Established as a diocese in 1075, Chichester's cathedral was built in the 11–15=c==. The free-standing bell tower was added in the 15C to relieve the central tower of the weight of bells, but in spite of this the tower and spire collapsed dramatically through the roof in 1861 and have been reconstructed. The tapestry behind the high altar is by John Piper.
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St Mary's Hospital, founded in the 12C and used since the 16C as an almshouse, has a superb medieval great hall. But the predominant atmosphere of the city is of the 18C, particularly in the southeast quarter known as the Pallants; an outstanding building here is Pallant House, completed in 1713 for a prosperous wine merchant and now open to the public, with a permanent collection in the house and temporary exhibitions in an adjoining gallery. Outside the walls to the north is the Festival Theatre (1962, by Powell and Moya), which had Laurence Olivier as its first director and which continues to mount distinguished summer seasons of new productions.
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