Siege and Plunder: the Civil War comes to Chichester in 1642

In December 1642, Royalists in Chichester conspired with Sir Edward Ford, the High Sheriff of Sussex to seize the city on behalf of the king; but their triumph was short-lived as they soon found themselves besieged by a Parliamentary Army commanded by General Sir William Waller. Eventually the Royalists surrendered, and although no violence was shown to the people of the city, puritan soldiers led by Sir Arthur Haselrige MP, looted and despoiled the cathedral and chapter house, scandalising many who might otherwise have been sympathetic to their cause.