The cross was intentionally positioned at the intersection of the Roman-era streets: North, South, East, and West.
During the English Civil War, Parliamentary troops damaged the statues in the niches, believing they were objects of idolatry.
The monument was restored in the 18th century, at which time the present clock was installed.
It is officially designated as a Grade I listed building by Historic England.
The statue of Charles I inside one of the niches was added during the 17th-century restoration to replace lost religious figures.
Chichester Cross is an elaborate late-medieval market cross located at the precise intersection of the city's four cardinal Roman streets. Constructed around 1501, the monument was commissioned by Bishop Edward Story to provide shelter for local traders. It features a Perpendicular Gothic design with an octagonal plan, flying buttresses, and a central pillar supporting a vaulted ceiling. Each side of the structure originally contained a niche housing a statue, though these were heavily damaged during the English Civil War. A clock was added to the pinnacle in 1724, replacing an earlier sundial. The structure remains the primary geographical and social hub of the city center. While the interior is inaccessible to the public, the exterior serves as a frequent meeting point and landmark. It is constructed from Caen stone, a high-quality limestone imported from Normandy.
From the corners of the adjacent streets to capture the full octagonal symmetry against the backdrop of city architecture.
Walk the four cardinal streets branching out from the Cross to see the distinct character of the city's independent shops.
Visit during the morning to photograph the structure before the central intersection becomes crowded with city shoppers.
Look up at the vaulted ceiling from outside to appreciate the intricate medieval stone masonry.
Do not attempt to climb or lean against the stone structure, as it is a protected heritage site.
