Chichester is a town located in central New Hampshire in the Merrimack Valley region of the state. It is situated in the Eastern part of Merrimack County and encompasses a total area of 21.2 square miles, just .1 of which is water. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town was home to 2,523 people.
The town of Chichester was officially granted and incorporated as a town in 1727. It was named to honor the Thomas Pelham-Holles, who was the first duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the earl of Chichester. Over the years, Chichester has been home to a number of notable people, including former U.S. Senator Gordon J. Humphrey.
Less than 1 percent of Chichester’s total area is made up of water. The town is home to a variety of hills, including Garvin Hill, Plausawa Hill and an unnamed hill, all of which reach nearly 1,000 feet above sea level or higher. Chichester is located completely within the Merrimack River watershed. The nearest interstates for the area include I-393 and I-93.
Chichester is governed by an elected Board of Selectmen. The town boasts a full-time police department, a volunteer fire department and volunteer emergency medical services. Top employers in the area include Weathervane Seafood, Clarks Grain Store, Harris Furniture, Avitar Associated of New England Inc., Hess Station, Domenic’s, Chuckster’s and Tractor Supply Co.
Children in the area attend the Chichester Central School for grades kindergarten through eighth. For grades nine through 12, students attend Pembroke Academy, located in the nearby town of Pembroke. For recreation and entertainment, residents of Chichester can take advantage of the town’s municipal parks, youth organizations, sports leagues, campgrounds, fishing and hunting areas, snowmobile trails and cross country skiing.