Sussex Day, held each year on 16 June, is the translated feast day of St Richard - the Patron Saint of Sussex - and a time to celebrate everything that makes this historic county special.
In the Cathedral’s 950th anniversary year, it feels especially fitting to mark the day in a meaningful way. As the mother church of the Diocese of Chichester, which spans both East and West Sussex, we wanted to honour this historic figure.
So, to mark the occasion, we’ve created a short film imagining St Richard arriving in present-day Chichester. Here, we invite you to step into the story - to follow St Richard’s imagined journey through the streets and sacred spaces of modern-day Chichester.
And how else would he travel, but by a local Stagecoach bus that stops right outside the Cathedral?
A familiar figure in unfamiliar times
St Richard is remembered for travelling far and wide across Sussex, often on foot. In Chichester’s present-day vibrant and bustling city centre, he would have encountered far more people than on his solitary, renowned walks and pilgrimages.
A glimpse into modern life
For a man associated with several miracles, the sight of people holding the world in their hands via mobile devices - might have seemed miraculous in itself.
A pause near Priory Park
Known for his simple lifestyle and abstinence from alcohol, our modern-day St Richard stops at the Park Tavern for an orange juice, taking in the view of Priory Park - once home to a medieval friary.
Meeting his modern likeness
Outside the Cathedral, St Richard pauses beside a statue - his own - created by sculptor Philip Jackson. One of Chichester’s most photographed landmarks, it stands near the spot where thousands of visitors still begin their journey through the Cathedral.
Returning to his Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral, St Richard is welcomed by volunteer guide Celia, who leads him through the ancient building’s sacred spaces. He sees how the building has evolved and marvels at the new additions of artwork. From the Shrine that bears his name and is still a place of pilgrimage, to the striking modern font and contemporary artworks, Celia offers a rich and engaging tour - available to all, not just the county’s patron saint.
Celia explains to St Richard the extraordinary story of his Shrine. Once among the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval England, it was tragically dismantled during the Reformation on the orders of Henry VIII. Treasures and relics were sent to the Tower of London, and his bones scattered.
But the story did not end there. In 1992, a relic believed to be St Richard’s bone was returned from Normandy and now lies beneath the modern shrine. This spiritual focal point is framed by the Benker-Schirmer tapestry, a breathtaking work of art illustrating miracles associated with the saint. Dedicated 40 years ago this year - on the eve of Sussex Day - it uses vibrant colour and symbolism to link past and present, and was woven partly at West Dean College, just north of the city.
Sacred art and sound
During his visit, St Richard pauses to admire the Cathedral’s Chagall window, a shimmering cascade of colour symbolising Psalm 150.
He also encounters the Noli Me Tangere painting by Graham Sutherland - a powerful depiction of Christ's resurrection.
And admires the Cathedral’s historic Hill organ, an instrument that has accompanied worship for generations.
Exploring Sussex’s story of faith
St Richard also enjoyed visiting our Religion, Rebellion & Reformation exhibition, which explores how faith has shaped Sussex over nine centuries and highlights important historical figures and stories.
A view across Sussex
Climbing the spiral staircase of the Cathedral’s tower, St Richard takes in the vastness of the diocese he once travelled on foot. On a clear day, the view stretches across Sussex to Portsmouth and even the Isle of Wight.
He is guided by Head Verger Tim, who leads the Cathedral’s public Spire Visits – a popular highlight for visitors. With sweeping views and behind-the-scenes insights into the tower’s structure, it’s a truly memorable experience for pilgrims of every kind.
St Richard’s prayer is still said and sung across the world.
Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for me:
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly.
Amen.
St Richard of Wych
We set the soundtrack of our short social media Sussex Day film to the Godspell song ‘Day by Day’.