Chichester Cathedral is embarking on an ambitious and diverse programme of events to celebrate 950 years of religious, cultural, and civic life.
Chichester950 Revealed
The anniversary in 2025 sees the Cathedral and the Diocese of Chichester coming together to celebrate 950 years of faith and community through music, history and art.
There are services planned in every church in the diocese, a family camp, pilgrimages, new music, new artwork and a light installation, and an international conference to celebrate 1,700 years of the Nicene Creed.
In honour of the Cathedral’s renowned musical heritage, a special concert marking the 60th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms will take place in May which will feature an exciting new choral composition which has been specially commissioned for the 950th anniversary.
And at the heart of Chichester Cathedral’s 950 celebrations is a special exhibition that will mark nine centuries of Sussex history revealing stories of resilience, rebellion and reformation.
Religion, Rebellion & Reformation has been curated by the Reverend Canon Vanessa Baron, Canon Treasurer. It features artefacts and treasures contributed by local parishes and community groups, and brings together pieces from churches, archives and libraries across the Diocese of Chichester.
The exhibition includes medieval Bishops’ rings, a 12th-century reliquary, a 15th-century theological treatise and a Bible carried into the trenches during World War I.
The Reverend Canon Vanessa Baron said:
“Faith is intricately woven into the exhibition. Each artefact speaks of how faith has provided strength, hope and purpose for both lay and ordained individuals across the centuries.”
“It’s important to stress that this exhibition is not only about faith; it is about human stories. The Cathedral isn’t solely a religious building—it belongs to everyone. The compelling stories within this exhibition are as much a part of Sussex history as they are of Christianity.”
Highlights include:
- 12th Century: Rings and crozier heads from the Cathedral Treasury, symbolising the wealth and influence of Chichester’s early bishops, are displayed alongside a beautifully crafted reliquary from 1140 that reflects the importance of saintly relics.
- 13th Century: The life of St Richard, reformer and saint of Sussex, is celebrated. Known for his dedication to the clergy and local people, he became a central figure in Sussex’s religious history. The Coombes Crucifix, an exquisite piece from Limoges found in Lancing, contrasts with a simple wooden cross made in WWI trenches, capturing faith’s endurance through vastly different eras.
- 15th Century: A rare copy of a theological manuscript by Bishop Reginald Peacock, the first to be written in English, embodies the period’s intellectual and reformist spirit. Peacock’s challenging views eventually led to his condemnation as a heretic.
- 17th Century: The Ashburnham Chalice and a 1662 edition of the Book of Common Prayer represent a time of restored stability and unity following years of civil unrest, marking a period when religious texts played a vital role in English life.
- 19th Century: Records from the Society of St. Margaret honour the dedication of Sussex nuns who lived among the sick and needy, embodying compassion and resilience. Visitors will also learn about Bishop Hannington (connected to the Brighton department store), the first Bishop of East Equatorial Africa, whose mission work ended in martyrdom in Uganda.
- 20th Century: A soldier’s Bible from WWI and the SS Mendi Memorial Stick commemorate lives lost in wartime, paying tribute to the enduring comfort faith has provided during moments of loss and hardship. Visitors can also learn about Reverend Arthur Wagner, a Brighton philanthropist committed to uplifting the city’s poor communities.
Canon Vanessa concluded:
“This exhibition is not only a celebration of 950 years of Chichester Cathedral; it is an opportunity for visitors to learn and reflect on the shared history and heritage of Sussex.”
Other anniversary events and activities scheduled to take place in 2025 include
TrinityFest on the Green offers a celebration marking the Feast of the Holy Trinity, to which the Cathedral is dedicated.
The Cathedral Choir will perform in a special candlelit gala concert in the company of British composer, Sir John Rutter in October and Chichester950 will conclude with a spectacular light show during October half term that will bring its 950-year history to life.
To find out more about Chichester950 and the programme of click here.
