As part of the national Heritage Open Days people had the chance to climb up steep spiral steps to the cathedral library with its huge collection of rare books stored in the cathedral heights.

In the song school room, a historic area where the Cathedral Choir gather before service, visitors dicovered a secret chamber hidden behind wooden wall panelling.

Inside they saw sheets upon sheets of choir music and medieval images carved into the stone walls.

The final two areas opened up were within the Bishop's quarters.

Visitors were allowed into the private chapel of the Bishop of Chichester with its unique 13th Century Roundel, and the Bishop's kitchen with its wooden medieval roof.

Ruth Poyner, visitor services officer at the cathedral, said: "We are always delighted to participate in Heritage Open Days and visitors seem to really enjoy the chance to see behind the scenes at the cathedral.

"The library and song school room in particular are a surprise for many – they are tucked away in the cathedral heights but well worth the climb up the stairs."

The cathedral was one of 24 properties in the Chichester district open as part of the heritage scheme, ranging from stately homes to industrial waterwheels and windmills.

For a picture gallery from some of the sites who took part click here.

The scheme is organised by the Civic Trust and gives people the chance to celebrate England's architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public, or charge for admission.

There was open access to Cawley Almshouse Chapel and free entry to Uppark House, while the West Sussex Records Office in Chichester was offering free talks and demonstrations to visitors.

Councillor Nick Thomas, district council portfolio holder for culture and sport, said: "Buildings may be fascinating and awe-inspiring because of their beauty, style or status, but it is the stories they can tell which make them dearer and bring them closer to us."



What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news
Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news
Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP