From Goodwood House to Chichester Cathedral

The roads were surprisingly free of traffic on a bank holiday Monday, and there were a lot less foot traffic passing the doors of some historical places. 

Goodwood House, still in private hands and lived in by the Marches, appeared austere from the front, although the flint stones were beautifully set; once inside, the opulence and the aristocratic luxury was breathtaking: the magnificent collection of mainly 17th century paintings and portraits, the priceless Gobelin tapestries commissioned by Louis XV, the Sevres porcelain depicting exotic birds made exclusively to order, and some exquisite French furniture.  All the wealth came from the first and second Dukes of Richmond, who accumulated a fortune by the tax levied on sea coal that was shipped via Newcastle, without ever spilling a drop of sweat. 

Entrance to Goodwood House

on a glorious day in April

The Yellow Drawing Room,

with the walls lined in yellow silk

From Goodwood, it was a short ride to the City of Chichester.  The Cathedral Spire was seen in a Stubbs' painting at Goodwood House, and it dominated the skyline as you approach the City.  Surprisingly, it was free entry, and it has a few modern pieces of art, including a stained glass window by Marc Chagall.

Chichester Cathedral

A vibrant tapestry by John Piper,

as a backdrop to the altar