Bishop Ralph is credited with the foundation of the current cathedral after the original structure built by Stigand was largely destroyed by fire in 1114.[1] He did not confine his activities to rebuilding the cathedral, but provided for a more complete constitution of his chapter by also creating the offices of dean, precentor, chancellor and treasurer.[2] These four officials were to ensure the proper conduct of church services, the care of its building and the supervision of subordinates.[3] Beneath them were the canons of the cathedral, about 26 in the medieval period.[4] The dean was elected by the canons and had the power to act in administrative matters only with their consent.[4] He and his staff were subject to the bishop's authority.[3]
The dean headed the cathedral community and had jurisdiction over all the Chichester city parishes, with the exception of AllSaints', which was under the administration of the Archbishop of Canterbury.[3] The four ancient posts of dean and canons still exist within the cathedral and their functions are similar to their ancient role, although somewhat diminished, as other church organisations have now taken over some of their powers.[5]
123Geenway. Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066–1300: volume 5: pp. 6–10. Suggests that Perigord was installed as dean in 1218 and that he was replaced by Thomas de Lichfield in 1229. No mention of Walter (1230).
12345678910111213141516171819 Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1300-1541: Volume 7, Chichester Diocese (London: 1964) pp. 4-6.
↑Hennessy.Chichester Diocese. p.2. gives the year as 1887. The year of his installation is given by Who Was Who, as 1888 and The Times, Thursday, 15 November 1888; p. 8; Issue 32544; col A. provides the actual date of induction as 14 November 1888.
Dean and Chapter (2021). "Our team". Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
Diana E. Greenway (1996). "Deans". Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066–1300: volume 5: Chichester. Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
Hennessy, George (1900). Chichester Diocese Clergy Lists: Clergy Succession from the earliest time to the year 1900. London: StPeters Press.
Horn, Joyce M, ed. (1964). "Deans". Chichester Diocese. Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1300-1541. Vol.7. London: Institute of Historical Research 4-6. British History Online. Web. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
Page, William, ed. (1973). "Cathedral of Chichester". A History of the County of Sussex: Volume 2. Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
Stephens, W.R.W (1876). Memorials of the See of Chichester and Cathedral Church of Chichester. London: Bentley. OCLC1737721.
