The Guildhall in Chichester

stands within the grounds of Priory Park. Before this incarnation in 1541 it was one of the earliest motte and bailey (mound and enclosure) forts ordered to be built be Roger de Montgomerie soon after the Norman Conquest,

In 1269 (after a lot of intervening History) Henry III gave Chichester to his brother Richard, the Earl of Cornwall who gifted it to the Franciscan friars. Their monastery was dissolved by Henry VIII and became the Guildhall. Assize Courts were held here with one of the Trials of note being that of William Blake for sedition.

End of history lesson. (This information is from the Chichester Guildhall Priory Park Guidebook 2014.)