The Victorian outskirts of the city also appear undisturbed by time, although the old barracks on the road to Midhurst have fallen victim to Government cuts and are now a pleasant housing estate.

Driving south towards Bosham, at the head of Chichester Harbour, the lack of significant development becomes even more apparent, with the fertile farmland heavily protected.

The harbour, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a wetland of international importance, “All around the harbour at Bosham is heavily protected,” says Mark.

“You can still see a view up the canal which was painted by Turner.”

Bosham was listed as one of the wealthiest manors in England and that too has changed little. The price of waterside property in this sought-after area has risen steeply over the past decade.

At the gated community of Bosham Hoe, built in the 1920s, the original plan is still rigidly adhered to. No splitting back gardens to cram in a second house here.

Those on the water cost upwards of £3million when they change hands, which is not often. The exception is a cottage which forms part of a row called Tufts Hard and looks directly over the main channel at Chichester.

Built for a yachtsman, it is a simple three-bedroom affair which would cost you £850,000.

“It is not as glitzy as Sandbanks in Dorset,” says Mark. “People here are much more discreet and low key, it is not the sort of place you come to be seen.”

On the rare occasions when one of the original houses comes on the market, it will usually be replaced with a better built and more substantial house.

This is happening in nearby Smugglers Lane where the tiny teapot-like thatched cottages are gradually falling victim to the march of time. A fire two years ago has just thrown another of these on the market.

Offers are invited for the derelict 0.8 acre plot which looks over the channel and has a jetty, something you will no longer get permission to build.

Stride Sons (strideandson.co.uk) suggests a guide of £1.25million with the closing bids by September 5. No planning application has yet been made.

Bosham makes much of its interesting connection to King Canute, who had a palace here. It is one of the places which lays claim to being where he commanded the waters to retreat.