John Edes House is one of many fine late Stuart and early Georgian houses in central Chichester, but it stands out for two reasons.
Firstly, along with Pallant House, it is one of the most striking houses in Chichester.
Secondly, John Edes House was built in 1696 and so it pre-dates the Georgian building boom that saw many of Chichester medieval wooden framed buildings being replaced or upgraded. The fine buildings you can see today in the Pallants and St Martin’s Square date mainly date from the period 1720-1750.
The building, which is a hundred yards or so from the Norman Cathedral in West Street is made out of red brick with Portland Stone dressings and is Grade I listed.
Although built as a private house, John Edes House is now used by West Sussex County Council. The building has been well restored and contains a collection of painting by the artist George Herbert Catt.
John Edes House is sometimes referred to as Wren House and was also called Westgate House for a period of its history.
