An ascetic and vegetarian, who refused to eat off silver,[4] Richard was known for his strong stance on usurers ('loan sharks' in the modern vernacular), corrupt clergy and "priests who mumbled the Mass".

Popular in Sussex, his tomb in Chichester became a place of pilgrimage and prayer through the later Middle Ages in particular.

Smith liked the idea and West Sussex County Council officially recognised the day in 2007.

[5] The Sussex Martlets flag was hoisted over the Council House in Chichester, from Maltravers Street in Arundel, from St Nicholas’ Church in Bramber, from Lewes Castle, from St Nicholas’ Church in Pevensey, and from Hastings Castle; each representing their respective historic division of Sussex.

Several other towns and villages across the county raise the Sussex Flag on 16 June, including Peacehaven, Seaford, Newhaven,[6] Shoreham and Worthing.