Haunted Hosts

The Chichester Inn stands on a site of profound historical significance, tracing its origins back to a medieval house that belonged to the Dean of Chichester Cathedral. This original dwelling was left in ruins following the siege of Chichester during the English Civil War in the 1640s, when Parliamentary forces besieged the Royalist stronghold. By 1692, the building had been completely reconstructed and would begin its fascinating evolution through various incarnations as an inn. The property became the Three Kings inn by 1754, reflecting the period's naming conventions that often referenced royalty or heraldic symbols. By 1792, it had been renamed the Duke of Richmond Arms, honouring the influential Dukes of Richmond who held considerable sway in Sussex politics and society. The establishment was recorded as the Castle Inn by 1805, with Barrett listed as the publican, a name it retained until as recently as 1992 when it finally became The Chichester Inn. Throughout the Victorian era, the inn served as a vital social hub, hosting meetings of various local organisations including the Chichester Hand Bell Club from 1844, and later the Committee of the Licensed Victuallers Association. One particularly charming historical note records that in 1905, 'sixty yards of bicycles' caused considerable consternation when parked end-to-end outside the inn during a visit by thirty to forty members of the Portsmouth Arrow Cycling Club, who used the establishment as their headquarters. The building was designated as a Grade II listed building in 1971, recognising its architectural and historical importance to Chichester's heritage.