Chichester Cathedral American Patrons was launched to celebrate the many connections that exist between Sussex and North America.

Following recent in-depth research into the Cathedral’s Anglo-American heritage, we are keen to share all that we have learnt about our transatlantic links.

The father of the American Revolution, Thomas Paine, came from Lewes, East Sussex. Thomas Paine was introduced to Benjamin Franklin by the third Duke of Richmond, whose Goodwood Estate lies just outside Chichester. The Duke gained the title of the ‘Radical Duke’ because of his support for the American Revolution. Part of the mystery of the ‘Sussex Declaration’ – the only ceremonial parchment manuscript copy of the American Declaration of Independence other than the signed copy held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. – lies with the Duke, Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin. Harvard University has been hard at work with the West Sussex Record Office, where the Sussex Declaration is in safe keeping, to establish the history behind this unique piece of shared American and English history.

This year Chichester Cathedral will be holding an American Thanksgiving service, at 5.30pm on Thursday 28th November – all are welcome to join us. The service will be approximately 45 minutes, and guests will be invited to remain for drinks after the service and to see some of the Cathedral’s historic artefacts which have special links to America. The service has been introduced at the request of the Chichester Cathedral American Patrons to bring American’s living in Sussex an opportunity to celebrate American Thanksgiving. All are welcome to join us.

To register your interest and reserve seating in the Cathedral’s historic 12th century Quire please email: [email protected]