Notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, Lichfield was the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, the writer of the first authoritative Dictionary of the English Language.
The elegant city of Lichfield is dominated by its magnificent three spired 12th century cathedral known as the "Ladies of the Vale". Founded by the great Anglo-Saxon missionary, St Chad, the Cathedral has been welcoming visitors since 700 and sees over 125,000 visitors a year.
Legend has it that in around 300AD, one thousand (or 999 depending on which version you read) Christians were massacred by a Roman army and their bodies left unburied in a place that would become known as the 'Field of Corpses' aka Lichfield (from the OE lic – body/corpse).
David Garrick - 1717-1779. Although born in Hereford, Garrick's family home was Lichfield and his house stood on the site of the old library in Bird Street. ...
Lichfield came to prominence two centuries later in 666AD when St Chad, Bishop of Mercia, declared 'Lyccidfelth' his bishop's seat and the area became the focal point of Christianity in the Kingdom of Mercia, more commonly known today as the Midlands.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Lichfield | England - English
What are some fun facts about Lichfield?
Home to Charles Darwin's grandfather, and birthplace of Doctor Johnson, it has a Square where markets have been held since King Stephen, and three people were burnt at the stake in the reign of Queen Mary. There's much more than even this to Lichfield - but why not discover it yourself!
Welcome to Lichfield, where timeless charm meets modern vitality in a picturesque setting. The Staffordshire city's rich history, thriving cultural scene and close-knit community make it a great place to call home.
Lichfield Cathedral is the only medieval three spired Cathedral in the UK, and is a treasured landmark in the heart of England. It is one of the oldest places of Christian worship, and the burial place of the great Anglo Saxon missionary Bishop, St Chad.
Origin of Name. Named to celebrate an 8th century sculptured limestone panel, which was discovered at Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire during an archaeological excavation of the nave. The panel, thought to represent the Archangel Gabriel, is in remarkable condition and still bears the remnants of Saxon paint.
According to data from Zoopla, the average house price in the city is now around £275,000, making it one of the more expensive housing markets in the region.
Summary : Lichfield Castle is said to have existed in the period between 1129 to 1148, probably in the Wade/Frog Street area, although place-name evidence may indicate that the allusion to a castle may derive from a possible Saxon burh.
The cathedral city was incorporated in 1548, but its municipal history began much earlier. Lichfield is associated with writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson, who was born there in 1709; the house in which he was born is preserved as a museum.
King Wulfhere of Mercia gave land at Lichfield for Chad to build a monastery dedicated to St Mary. Chad died in a plague in 672AD and was buried in his church of St Mary in Lichfield. The church was later incorporated into the cathedral structure.
Completed in 2018 by sculptor Alfie Bradley in conjunction with the British Ironwork Centre, the sculpture is a poignant tribute to people who have lost their lives to the violent use of a blade. The Knife Angel's visit to Lichfield has been funded by Staffordshire's Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue.
The cathedral is dedicated to St Chad and St Mary. Its internal length is 113 m (371 ft), and the breadth of the nave is 21 m (69 ft). The central spire is 77 m (253 ft) high and the western spires are about 58 m (190 ft). The stone is sandstone and came from a quarry on the south side of Lichfield.
"Following recent visits to Lichfield, Nuneaton, Colchester and Bolton, the Knife Angel is coming to Walsall and brings a critical issue into the public eye, reminding us of those affected by the tragic consequences of knife crime.
"The three spires of Lichfield Cathedral harked back to Lichfield's heyday between 787 and 810 AD and so the 'three ladies of the vale' will always represent the three Archbishoprics of England. The larger central spire representing the historical power of Mercia and the third Archbishop of England.
In reality, not many couples are eligible to have a wedding at the Cathedral (couples are encouraged to connect with their local parish churches) and we don't want to create false expectations for hopeful couples.
Welcome. Welcome to Lichfield Cathedral - an ancient Cathedral full of life and wonder. This is your cathedral, at the heart of the community and diocese. Come along for a visit, stop and reflect, take some time out, worship and feel at home.
The stamp duty holiday ends at the end of March 2021 and that certainly will reduce the number of Lichfield people moving (as many moved their plans forward to beat the deadline) meaning there will be less Lichfield people moving in 2021, yet that will curtail the supply of property for sale and hence keep Lichfield ...
Lichfield is the most dangerous medium-sized town in Staffordshire, and is the 40th most dangerous overall out of Staffordshire's 197 towns, villages, and cities. The overall crime rate in Lichfield in 2022 was 70 crimes per 1,000 people.
Areas close to the Cathedral, Beacon Park and Stowe Pool are particularly popular. Areas around the city centre, including along the main roads such as Beacon Street, London Road, Birmingham Road and Trent Valley Road offer mainly older properties, including terraces and larger detached houses.
Based in the heart of Lichfield City centre, Three Spires features top name high street stores including M and S Simply Food, Argos, WHSmith and Two Seasons alongside charming independent retailers.
Lichfield in Staffordshire has a plaque indicating England's furthest point from the sea – a distance of 84 miles. Meriden is (in)famously the "centre of England". It's commonplace to criticise films set in past times for getting the history wrong, but are there any that got it right?
Lichfield has two railway stations. Lichfield City Station on Birmingham Road is just minutes from the city centre. Just opposite the bus station, it offers frequent direct services to both Birmingham New Street, and Lichfield Trent Valley Station.
