Nostalgic memories of Chichester's local history

Share your own memories of Chichester and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Add Your Memory for Chichester

Displaying all 7 Memories

Chichester Bell Tower

Does anyone exactly remember a new bell or bells being winched in by a very large crane into the tower. My memory as an 9 year old standing outside Morants watching with Dad ( Vicar of Oving then) and younger brother, was it early 1966?.We knew Sam Vigar, who was the cathedral Head of Maintanance, he was running about, (no hard hats then) controlling the situation. It was quite an event as South Today TV ...see more

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Added 30 November 2018

School In Chichester

I attended school in Chichester at St. John's school on East street. I went there from 1947 until 1951. I have many fond memories of my days there; great teachers, my first girlfriend Lesley and the bus ride home to Emsworth.

Chichester, Royal West Sussex Hospital c1965

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Added 14 February 2016

Momories Of The Festival Theatre

I remember the Chichester Festival Theatre opening in 1962. I went to see several plays there over the years. One I remember well was The Royal Hunt of the Sun. Later, in the early 70s I worked there for 2 years first running the bookstall and later as an usherette. I met many stars including Tony Robinson who played in a Christmas production, Follow the Star and Diana Dors who appeared in Oedipus with Keith Michelle who was the theatre director at that time.

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Added 12 October 2015

Matron's Secretary

My late mother Isabelle Grainger (1925-2010) worked at the Royal West Sussex Hospital during the late 1940s early 1950s as secretary to the Matron Miss E.S. Parkinson (later Mrs Buckwell). Whilst working at the hospital my mother met a wonderful friend Brenda Arnell who had trained as an SRN at the hospital. Ms Arnell was later to become my godmother. Sue Tanner

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Added 19 July 2015

My Memories

I trainee from 1959 to1962, and loved every moment great days happy memories.my so surname was Pickett,and I married Michael Jones,who was a junior doctor,but sadly he died in 1978 . Would love to hear from any one who was at the hospital when I trained?

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Added 17 June 2014

Training For Srn At Royal West Sussex Hospital, Chichester

In 1952-1956 I trained at RWSH & obtained SRN & then went to Cambridge for midwifery training. After that emigrated to Canada worked there & also USA. Worked as a nurse in San Francisco & New York. I often think of the days & nights spent working at Royal West Sussex Hospital. I would like to get in touch with anyone who remembers me. Sheila McConnell.

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Added 19 May 2013

Looking For King Charles On The Market Cross

When I was little and we went shopping in Chichester, I always liked looking for King Charles on the medieval Market Cross in the city centre. One of the niches on the Market Cross holds a bronze bust of King Charles I, who was executed in 1649 during the Civil War. Chichester’s Member of Parliament at that time, William Cawley, was a signatory on the king’s death warrant, and had ...see more