Cakeham Manor House
The Grand Retreat Owned by Bishops
Cakeham Manor House dates from the 13th century, although much of it was rebuilt in the 16th century, and a building on this site has been in use since the 12th century. The Manor, situated in West Wittering parish, was the country retreat of the Bishops of Chichester, away from the hustle and bustle of the Bishop’s Palace in the grounds of Chichester Cathedral.
Statue of St Richard outside Chichester Cathedral
The tower of Cakeham Manor House
(David Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0)
The House is said to be the site of two miracles performed by St Richard, the Bishop of Chichester in 1244, who was made a Saint by the Pope after his death in 1253. He is the Patron Saint of Sussex and June 16th, his Saints day, is also Sussex Day. Part of the Manor House is still in use as a private home, but the disused older parts are a Scheduled Monument under the care of Historic England.