Chichester livestock market remembered 30 years after closure

In 1872, Chichester Cattle Market opened near Eastgate Square and livestock sales were transferred there. Market day sales soon grew in importance and by 1900, Chichester Market was described as ‘the largest in the south of England’.

It was not until the 1980s that the future of Chichester Cattle Market became uncertain, following a decline in its trade and debate about the future of the market site.

The last livestock market in Chichester was held on October 24, 1990, and a new exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of this closure will open at The Novium Museum on Saturday, October 24.

Drawing on the museum’s social history collection, the exhibition and accompanying community engagement project will connect Chichester’s history as a market town with the farming landscape of the South Downs.

The historical exhibition will act as the catalyst to explore contemporary issues highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, including resilient food supply chains, sustainable farming and the transient harvesting workforce.

The exhibition and accompanying programme of activities has been made possible thanks to grant funding of £9,904 from the South Downs National Park Authority Covid-19 Recovery Fund and a £2,843 South East Museums Development and Art Fund Project Recovery Grant. These grants have been designed to support cultural organisations as they try to recover from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roy Briscoe, cabinet member for culture and community services at Chichester District Council, said: “So many will have fond memories of the Chichester Cattle Market before its closure in 1990 and it is wonderful to be able to remind people of the importance of the livestock industry in the local area through this exhibition at The Novium Museum.

“We are living through unprecedented and uncertain times. Thanks to the South Downs National Park Authority and South East Museums Development Programme, we are able to tell this important local story at a time when reconnecting people and place is more poignant than ever.

“It has been wonderful to welcome so many visitors back to The Novium Museum since we reopened in July and the level of public support has really demonstrated the value people place on local heritage and culture.”

The grant funding will also enable the museum to develop an ambitious community engagement project that will connect local farming communities with a small group of young people, aged 16 to 24, in order to increase knowledge and understanding of food and land management in the South Downs.

This collaboration will reach far larger audiences through a community-curated exhibition and film on display alongside the new exhibition and a pop-up display at other venues, as well as on the museum’s website.

The project will also include a series of webinars, virtual outreach sessions for care homes, a city-wide family trail and children’s activity backpacks to be used within the museum. They will also fund the development of a virtual element, including a film.

Admission to the exhibition and to The Novium Museum is free, with donations gratefully accepted. Booking in advance is essential.

For more information about visiting The Novium Museum, including the social distancing and safety measures in place, and to book visit www.thenovium.org/reopening or call 01243 775888.

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