FLYING THE ATLANTIC, part 5

By DELL ARTHUR

The only word that can best describe Chichester/Goodwood is “fascinating.” After checking into the hotel I took the opportunity to stroll down the sidewalks of “Main Street” and take in the ambiance of history. The town dates back to 43 AD, when Britain was first invaded by the Romans and what attracted the invaders was the river Lavant, that passes through the area. This was the source that provided needed water for the aggressors. As a result the small community was developed into a fort but later abandoned. Today many buildings now standing were originally constructed as far back as 1000 years or more. It isn’t unusual to see, nestled between two avant-garde shops, a store built of stone housing an antique building built 400 years ago still occupied and operating. No cars are allowed to drive through this part of town and pedestrians and shoppers can meander along the cobblestone roadway undisturbed.

But the main attraction of Goodwood is the historic Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity built in 1091 and consecrated in 1108 according to historian Tim Lambert. But in 1114 the building was damaged by fire and was rebuilt. During that time several religious orders preached from the pulpit including Franciscans and Dominicans. This continued until the reign of King Henry VIII.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Photo by Dell Arthur

Unable to achieve a divorce from his legitimate queen, Catherine of Aragon, Henry decided to apostatize and form his own church now known as “The Church of England” (or Anglican protestant church). The result was Henry allowed the murder of Catholic priests, nuns, monks and religious brothers and then confiscated all Roman Catholic property including churches, monasteries and convents and converting them into whatever use he deemed appropriate—as long as they were not used for Catholic purposes! One result of this period is the beautiful Cathedral in Goodwood that was originally Catholic but is now an Anglican Church and residence of the controlling protestant bishop.

Another structure that captures your eye is the Chichester Market Cross that was built in the 16^th century. It sits in the middle of the square and is a popular site to visitors. According to Lambert, it was 1501 when Bishop Storey erected the Market Cross. This was the common place for small farmers and venders to sell their goods. The Bishop said anyone could sell their goods without paying a fee if they could stand under the cross.

Chichester Market Cross
Photo by Dell Arthur

During World War II Goodwood was bombed three times by the Germans. And it was here that the famed fighter pilot and double amputee Douglas Bader flew his last mission before being shot down over France. Sir Douglas, as he is now known following his knighthood, made his home at Tangmere just a short distance from Goodwood, where he spent his time following his retirement from the Shell Oil Company as an enthusiastic supporter of the community’s activities.

Now in modern times Goodwood enjoys many activities and is known for its famous race track and “Festival of Speed. Each year competitors from around the world gather for a weekend of celebration, including “The Driver’s Ball.” Honored at the festivities are a number of great race car drivers as The United States’ Richard Petty, England’s Sir Jackie Stewart and Formula One champion Sir Sterling Moss. Petty and Moss continue to Influence auto racing but Stewart unfortunately was killed in a racing accident. In addition to auto racing Goodwood also sports championship horse racing. But it is the auto racing that captures most interest.

As part of the event there are race cars dating back to the 1920’s that still run like clockwork. And there are the formula one car’s that take to the track and thrill fans with their speed. The sound of powerful engines and the smell of fuel and oil are all part of the excitement.

Outside of the community are two standard Professional Golf Association golf courses. And the Brits make the most of them. 

Yet it wasn’t the car or horse races or the golf courses that were the great attraction but rather the generosity and friendless of the people. Having dinner isn’t a lonesome event. Usually there is someone sitting nearby who is more than willing to engage in conversation and they seemed most interested in talking with a “colonialist” from the United States.

But our stay was to be a short one. The next day we would be taking off for the last time from the famed airport and head across the channel for France.