Priory Park, Chichester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Priory Park |
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View of Priory Park overlooking Chichester Cathedral
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Chichester, West Sussex, England |
| Established | 1918 |
| Operated by | Chichester District Council |
| Open | Year round during daylight |
Priory Park is a cool public park in Chichester, West Sussex, England. It's managed by the Chichester District Council. You can find it in the north-east part of Chichester city. Old medieval city walls surround the park to the north and east. These walls were built on top of even older Roman foundations! Inside the park, you'll discover the remains of Chichester Castle and a historic building called the Guildhall.
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Discovering Priory Park's Past
Priory Park has a long and interesting history. Many years ago, a famous poet and artist named William Blake had a trial in the Guildhall, which is right here in the park.
Cricket Matches at Priory Park
Even before Priory Park officially became a park in 1918, it was a popular spot for county cricket matches. The very first big cricket game happened here in 1852. In that match, the Sussex team played against an All-England Eleven.
Famous cricket teams from Australia also played here in 1882 and 1886. They didn't play against Sussex then. Instead, they played against teams like Lord March's XI and a United Eleven.
One of the greatest cricket players ever, W.G. Grace, even played on this ground during the Australians' match against the United Eleven!
Sussex County Cricket Club returned to play here in 1906. They played a County Championship game against their local rivals, Hampshire. The last time Sussex played a match at Priory Park was in 1950 against Glamorgan.
Roman Discoveries Under the Park
In May 2017, something amazing was found beneath the park! Using special radar equipment, archaeologists discovered two ancient Roman town houses. One of these houses even had a hot room and baths, just like a Roman spa! It shows how old this area truly is.
Priory Park Today
Today, Priory Park is still a busy place for sports and fun.
Cricket and Football Fun
The Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club uses the ground for their games. They play in the Sussex Cricket League Division Two. You can often see them practicing or competing.
Young football players also enjoy the park. The Chichester City Colts Under 9's football team plays here. They even have a special nickname for their home ground: 'The Fortress'!
Gallery
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Park in Autumn
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Bowling Green
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Park in snow
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North walls
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