Something for Everyone

Today the cathedral city of Chichester in West Sussex called our names. I had to practice all day to pronounce the city's name correctly!

We started off by visiting the Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens Museum.

The remains of a palatial Roman building including the corridors, courtyards and rooms with mosaic floors, are displayed in a purpose built covered building. This is the largest collection of in-situ mosaics in Britain and includes the famous mosaic of cupid riding a dolphin.

As luck would have it we were able to take part in a guided tour of the research and storage rooms.  The guide was knowledgeable, personable, and entertaining.  It made for a nice "Roman Extra" to our British Museum Pompeii exhibition.

As I mentioned Chichester is a cathedral city, and here is the cathedral. 

It wins the award as "The Only Cathedral in England That is Scaffolding-Free"! 

It is also the only cathedral I know of that has a pair of resident Peregrine Falcons. If you look closely in the center of the photo you can see the head of the female. They have three fledged youngsters whom the parents are still feeding as the children are not yet very good hunters.

Exterior details include head of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.

The inside of Chichester Cathedral is quietly stunning.

There is a gorgeous organ and a beautiful font.

The shrine of St Richard of Chichester is the most religiously significant element of the cathedral. 

The stained glass is all modern.  This Marc Chagall window is based on Psalm 150.

I also liked Arundel tomb from 1376.  It show Earl Arundel and his Countess holding hands - a most unusual display of affection.

The cathedral gardens were a wonderful surprise.  

They are extensive and creatively planted (if in dire need of some water).

Lots of pollentors.

Some great plant combinations including the verbena and Russian sage. 

Though the day was hot, we decided to take a bus out to the Weald and Downland's Open Air Museum in Singleton.  The museum has a collection of old 'rescued' buildings from the southeast of England.

We didn't come to see the buildings, but to see the animals at the Rare Breeds Show.

I'm missing my local Lane County Fair this July, and I thought this would be a good substitute.

The pigs said, "We've been judged and now it's time for a nap."

We did get to see prizes awarded to the sheep...

...and the cows.  

After reading about British Agricultural Shows, it was great to see all the animals and their handlers - young and old.

I am hoping for cooler weather tomorrow!