Chichester

With the withdrawal of the Romans from Britain (approximately AD400), Chichester was abandoned as a centre of occupation until Alfred systematically introduced the burh system to Wessex in the late 9th century. Chichester was then reoccupied on a permanent basis, although some skeletons from the intervening years have been found buried within the modern city.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records defeat of a Viking army in 894 by the citizens of Chichester.

In the second quarter of the 10th century Chichester was upgraded to a full civil settlement by Aethelstan. By 1017 the town was important enough to have a mint.

Bosham

Bosham was an important location in the Saxon period. It is likely that King Cnut had a palace here. We know that his young daughter died here and is buried in the parish church. Bosham is one of the possibly locations of Cnut demonstrating to his court that God was mightier by failing to hold back the tide.

Bosham church features on the Bayeux tapestry in the scene where Harold sets sail for Normandy.

In addition to the Saxon coffin holding Cnut's daughter there is another Saxon coffin that may hold the body of Harold.