Chichester Guildhall

Chichester Guildhall is now a private venue in which, appropriately, civil weddings take place. Prior to this, it was used for civil government but before the Reformation, Franciscan worship. In 1803, it hosted the trial of the poet William Blake for sedition, for having allegedly said:

“Damn the King and Country and all his subjects. I have told this before to greater people than you. Damn the King and his Country; his subjects and all you soldiers are sold for slaves.”

Although acquitted of all charges, it goes to show how sensitive the authorities were in those days of foreign war and potential revolution, especually when it came to disrespecting King George, the figurehead of the state. I suspect many others were hanged for saying less.

If we must not speak ill against the ruler of the people, how much less their Maker? Everyday, God is blasphemed by sinners, false religionists, careless swearers and those who mock His grace and mercy. A greater trial awaits, but, also, a greater mercy, for those seek Him, repenting.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...2  Timothy 3:2

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