Market Cross

Chichester Cross is an elaborately designed Medieval market cross in the Perpendicular Gothic style. It stands where the four principal streets in the city meet. It is believed that the cross was commissioned by Edward Story, Bishop of Chichester between 1477 and 1503. The Bishop’s intention was to create a meeting point and that the poor people should have somewhere to sell their produce. The stone cross was repaired in 1746 during the reign of Charles II and paid for by the Duke of Richmond. A bust of Charles I was placed in a niche facing towards East Street. The bronze original is to be found at Pallant House Gallery. www.pallant.org.uk The Market Cross is constructed of Caen stone. It is eight sided with external buttresses topped with pinnacles. Above are eight flying buttresses. Each of the eight sides has an entrance through a pointed arch decorated with crockets and a finial. Inside is a large circular column surrounded by stone seating still much in use today.