As it was an urban castle inserted into a pre-existing settlement, buildings were probably cleared to make way for the castle. Chichester Castle was of timber construction; although some timber castles were rebuilt in stone, there is no evidence that this was the case at Chichester.
As it was a fortified settlement inserted into an existing community, structures were likely cleared to make way for the fortress. Chichester Fortress was constructed of wood; unlike some other fortresses that were rebuilt in stone, there is no evidence that this happened at Chichester.