Goodwood’s first meeting was a private occasion arranged by the third Duke of Richmond for officers of the Sussex Militia and members of the Goodwood Hunt. Their previous invitation to race at Petworth Park had been withdrawn, so the duke offered his own land. The gathering proved successful enough to lead to a public meeting the following year.
The racing ground was laid out on the Harroway, a narrow ridge on the South Downs. That elevated landscape explains the course’s distinctive setting, rather than being a backdrop added to a conventional stadium. The estate’s equestrian interests extended beyond racing: the third duke also commissioned William Chambers to design its substantial stable block.
Chichester Cathedral. Goodwood lies outside the city; nearby Chichester offers a cathedral visit and compact historic streets to explore.
Pallant House Gallery. Make time for the gallery’s art collections, housed in a Georgian townhouse and adjoining contemporary spaces.
Chichester has 31,710 residents.
