Look out for these Coade stone plaques….
As you take a walk around Chichester or go for a bike ride through the villages close to the Goodwood Estate keep your eyes peeled for examples of these old 'stone' plaques on buildings and cottages..... But these plaques have not been carved out of stone – that would...
The Ups and Downs
English is so confusing ..... I always have to make sure I explain myself when I'm talking about the South Downs with foreign visitors who come on my guided walks. They must wonder what on earth I mean! I must sound really silly! How can a range of 'Ups' be called...
William Peachey’s Gravestone
The ancient gravestone of William Peachey is set into the wall of All Saints Church in the downland village of East Dean. It has become quite famous, people come from far and wide to look at this 17th century stonemason's workmanship, or more correctly his lack of...
Zizzi’s in South Street, Chichester
If you've ever been into Zizzi's at the bottom of Chichester's South Street you may have wondered, whilst waiting for your pizza or pasta to arrive, what the building used to be.... The clue is in the name of the little street beside it!! Above the modern restaurant...
Death by ‘Breaking of the Horse”
When we are allowed to venture a little further afield on our daily walks, there are lots of historical gems to look out for! And this one is brilliant..... Bosham churchyard has the gravestone of one Thomas Barrow, who died at sea on 13th October 1759. He was Master...
Billy Fiske
Years ago, as part of my history degree, I worked as a volunteer at Tangmere Aviation Museum. The museum, located just a few miles east of Chichester, is run entirely by vounteers, keen to preserve the important role RAF Tangmere and its satellite airfields played...
The Cat and the Rat…..
I've been listening to a series of lectures about the history of Medieval England. I've learned so much - though I should probably listen all over again now to ensure a little bit sticks. The story begins with the Romans and continues though until the start of the...
Civil War Graffiti
Here we have the view from the Sherborne Room looking out towards the Bishops' Palace Gardens. Such a tranquil spot.... but not always. The Civil War shook Chichester from inside out and outside in! At the end of 1642 Parliamentary troops, led by Captain William...
The Sherborne Room Ceiling!
I have known for ages of a wonderful room in the Bishop's Palace in Chichester but until now I have never been around at the right moment to have a peek inside! It is called the Sherborne Room after this particular wing of the palace was built in the mid 16th century...