Chichester City Council at 800 Part 1: Mayors, Maces and Municipalities, 1135 to 1974

On Wednesday 2 September local historian Alan Green will give an illustrated talk at the Assembly Room. Entitled Mayors, Maces and Municipalities, it will explore the rich history of Chichester’s governance from its first Royal Charter of 1135 through to 1974 when the Corporation was abolished under Local Government Reorganisation.

Until 1974 Chichester City Council, aka Chichester Corporation, was a one-stop-shop providing most of the services its citizens required and presided over by the Mayor - very much in the manner of today’s unitary authorities.

Beginning with that Royal Charter of 1135, the talk will look at the medieval period, how the city fared in the Civil War and how democracy did not arrive until 1835, prior to which the council was self-perpetuating with, in the 18^th century, councillors having to be invited to serve as ‘Friends of the Duke of Richmond’.

It will then move on through the turbulent Victorian era with its hard-won battle to get mains water supplies and a sewerage system and reveal how, from the 1960s, local government became politicised.

All this will be viewed against the background of the city’s proud traditions and ceremonies.

Tickets are free, but advance booking is required.

This talk is the first of a two-part series exploring the history of Chichester City Council.

Please visit our website to discover other events marking Chichester City Council's 800th anniversary, including a Medieval Market and an exhibition.