Chichester Cathedral is an important setting in Chasing Shadows. Angelis takes himself here when he is troubled and often sees things here he cannot easily explain. Also, the cathedral is where he learns something about a significant event that turned his life around two years previously.
Chichester Cathedral – over 900 Years of History
The cathedral has been a focal point of the local community for over 900 years, established after the seat moved from Selsey. The spire is 277 ft tall and is visible for miles around. Incredibly, It collapsed in 1861 without any loss of life.
Unusually, the cathedral has a separate bell tower, built in the 15th century.
Angelis wonders if Chichester Cathedral is something that the Celts and others called a Thin Place, caused by the prayers of the saints puncturing holes between Earth and Heaven:
For some reason, I’m back in the cathedral, sitting away from the central aisle. I didn’t think I was a religious man, but I’ve seen such darkness today. I need to step into the light again. I look around, and I’m struck by the silence. This is one of those thin places. I’m wondering if the people praying over the centuries have punctured a million holes between heaven and Earth. Is that how it works?
Chasing Shadows
