Chichester Cross

Chichester Cross stands at the meeting point of the four main streets in the centre of Chichester, marking the spot where North, South, East and West Street converge. Built in 1501 by Bishop Edward Story, it was given to the city as a place for poor traders to sell their goods without having to pay tolls at the market house. More than five centuries on, it still functions as the visual anchor of the city centre.

The structure is an octagonal Perpendicular Gothic market cross in Caen and local stone, with flying buttresses rising to a central pinnacle and a small clock face added in 1724. Look for the bronze bust of Charles I, the carved coats of arms, and the pointed arches that once sheltered stalls. It is one of the most complete surviving market crosses in England and is Grade I listed.

You can walk right up to and through the Cross at any time; there is no admission and no gates. It sits at the heart of the pedestrianised shopping streets, so combining a visit with the surrounding Georgian frontages, Chichester Cathedral a short walk west, and the independent shops along North and West Street is straightforward. The nearest car parks are Avenue de Chartres and Little London.