The Dean of Chichester is the dean of Chichester Cathedral in Sussex, England.
Bishop Ralph is credited with the foundation of the current cathedral after the original structure built by Stigand was largely destroyed by fire in 1114.[1] He did not confine his activities to rebuilding the cathedral, but provided for a more complete constitution of his chapter by also creating the offices of dean, precentor, chancellor and treasurer.[2] These four officials were to ensure the proper conduct of church services, the care of its building and the supervision of subordinates.[3] Beneath them were the canons of the cathedral, about 26 in the medieval period.[4] The dean was elected by the canons and had the power to act in administrative matters only with their consent.[4] He and his staff were subject to the bishop's authority.[3]
The dean headed the cathedral community and had jurisdiction over all the Chichester city parishes, with the exception of All Saints', which was under the administration of the Archbishop of Canterbury.[3] The four ancient posts of dean and canons still exist within the cathedral and their functions are similar to their ancient role, although somewhat diminished, as other church organisations have now taken over some of their powers.[5]