From Sherburne's death until the seventeenth century little but a tale
of destruction is to be recorded; for this period witnessed the
dissolution of the monasteries, the beginning of a wholesale system of
spoliation urged by self-interest and hypocrisy, and the establishment
of "Reformation" methods of procedure in Church and State. By each of
these both the fabric and the diocese suffered, even though by some
they gained. But especially did vandalism help to destroy,
unnecessarily, many things which, legitimately used, might still have
been allowed to remain as evidences of the artistic influence of the
Church in England. For though some of them were dedicated to uses
which the reformation necessarily condemned the wholesale destruction
of much beautiful workmanship must be regretted by any who are
interested in such treasures. In 1538 it was ordered that all shrines
should be abolished. This seriously affected Chichester, as the fate
of the feretory of S. Richard was involved by the mandate. Two
commissioners were named, whose duty was to see that his shrine was
removed. The instructions issued served a double purpose, since in
this case, as in others, "reformation" helped to satisfy the claims of
avarice. Henry told the commissioners that

"We, wylyng such superstitious abuses and idolatries to be
taken away, command you with all convenient diligence to
repayre unto the said cathedral church of Chichester and
there to take down that shrine and bones of that bishop
called S. Richard within the same, with all the sylver,
gold, juells, and ornamentes aforesaid, to be safely and
surely conveighed and brought unto our Tower of London,
there to be bestowed as we shall further determine at your
arrival. And also that ye shall see bothe the place where