To spot St Richard of Chichester Church, just look for the tall, modern brick tower topped with a cross, right on the corner where Market Avenue meets Cawley Road - it’s hard to miss!
Welcome to St Richard of Chichester Church, a parish with a story stretching back to secret beginnings! Before there was ever a church on this spot, Mass was whispered in a single upstairs room at the old Bedford Hotel, with the faithful sneaking in under cover of rain and wind. Imagine the sound of hurried footsteps on wet cobblestones, as worshippers rushed for their makeshift chapel in the heart of 1800s Chichester. But in 1855, thanks to the generosity of the Countess of Newburgh (who clearly thought Chichester deserved a little less sneaking around and a lot more style), the first church appeared in proper Gothic Revival fashion, right on this very corner.
But then, in true dramatic church fashion, the original building stepped aside for a bold new creation in 1958. The present church rose up, designed by Lawrence Tomei and John Maxwell, its brick tower and clerestory letting the light pour in from every angle. And oh, that light - inside you’ll find the UK’s largest stained glass scheme by the famous Gabriel Loire, shimmering with colours that dance across the pews, thanks to the magical dalle de verre style stained glass. It’s like stepping into a rainbow on a Sunday morning!
And let’s not forget, St Richard’s is more than a landmark. It’s a living, breathing hub for the city’s Catholics, with a single parish that serves not only here but also the churches of Bosham, Selsey, and East Wittering. Three Sunday Masses fill these walls with voices, music, and sometimes even a little foot shuffling if the pews get crowded.
So, as you stand here, picture the generations who’ve gathered, prayed, and laughed at the odd wobbling candle or off-key hymn. St Richard’s is where history meets colour, community, and-on a good day-the sun shining right through a masterpiece above your head!
