lichfield cathedral visit

Lichfield Cathedral

Top choice in The Midlands & the Marches

Crowned by three dramatic towers, Lichfield Cathedral is a Gothic fantasy, constructed in stages from 1200 to 1350. The enormous vaulted nave is set slightly off line from the choir, creating a bizarre perspective when viewed from the west door, and carvings inside the cathedral still bear signs of damage caused by Civil War soldiers sharpening their swords.

Check schedules online for 45-minute tower tours climbing 160 steps for sweeping views from the central spire.

In the octagonal Chapter House, you can view the illuminated Chad Gospels, created around AD 730; an ornate Anglo-Saxon bas-relief known as the Lichfield Angel; and a faded but glorious medieval wall painting above the door.

The grand west facade positively bows under the weight of 113 statues of bishops, saints and kings of England. Be sure to stroll the delightful, once-fortified Cathedral Close, ringed with imposing 17th- and 18th-century houses.

19 Cathedral Close

Get In Touch

01543-306100

https://www.lichfield-cathedral.org/

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Lichfield Cathedral

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The Cathedral is among the earliest centres of Christian worship in the UK. A cathedral was built to house his remains in 700 the first shrine is mentioned by the Venerable Bede in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People in 731. Pilgrims continued to come and a new, larger cathedral - the current Cathedral - was completed in the 14th Century. It subsequently underwent significant restoration by Sir Gilbert Scott in the 19th Century. It is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires and is the only cathedral in the UK to have been fortified with walls and a moat, traces of which remain in the landscape today.

Lichfield Cathedral viewed from the south-east with St Mary's House in the foreground

Today, people continue to come in their thousands for all sorts of reasons: to admire the architecture, to explore the building and its towers, to pray, to ask, to be silent, to study, to worship.

The place of Chad continues to draw people to engage with some of the most fundamental questions of human and divine life. Visitors leave comments such as beautiful, peaceful, calm, wonderful atmosphere. On one level they are encountering a Christian holy house; on another, they are experiencing the transforming love of God.

We hope and pray that all our visitors will become pilgrims, not just visiting the shrine of Chad and leaving their prayers, but taking something with them on their own spiritual journey and making a real difference in the world in the name of Jesus Christ and the gospel of justice, reconciliation and peace.

When people come in great numbers, they realise, just like the earliest pilgrims, that they do not make this journey alone, but with friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, and God himself journeying with God towards the loving heart of God.

The mission of Lichfield Cathedral is to live and proclaim the transforming love of God. Through the fullness of its life in the Spirit, it seeks to be a sign of friendship and freedom that God in Jesus Christ has given the whole world to enjoy. The Cathedral provides a glorious focus for worship and reaches out to communities across the Diocese, providing support to a wide range of missional and charitable activities. The Cathedral provides space for worship, community and cultural events. This follows a tradition that has been handed down through the generations since the first Cathedral was founded in AD 700 on the burial site of St Chad.

For information about our life, worship and events see our website: www.lichfield-cathedral.org

Visit A Story

Whispering echoes of the past

Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Chad, stands as a testament to centuries of history and religious significance. Located in the heart of the historic city of Lichfield in Staffordshire, England, the cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a architectural marvel that has witnessed the ebb and flow of time.

Early Foundations

The origins of Lichfield Cathedral can be traced back to the 7th century when the Christian missionary St Chad chose the site as the location for his monastery. St Chad, the Bishop of Mercia, played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in the region. The original Saxon cathedral constructed on this site was modest, reflecting the early Christian architecture of the time.

In the centuries that followed, Lichfield grew in prominence, and the cathedral underwent several transformations. The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought about significant changes to England’s ecclesiastical landscape, and Lichfield Cathedral was not immune to these developments.

Norman Influence and Gothic Splendor

The Normans, known for their architectural prowess, left an indelible mark on Lichfield Cathedral. The construction of a new Norman cathedral began in the 12th century, with Bishop Roger de Clinton overseeing the project. The result was a grand cathedral featuring Romanesque architecture, characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and sturdy pillars.

As the centuries progressed, the cathedral underwent further renovations and expansions, reflecting the evolving architectural styles of the time. The transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture became particularly evident during the 13th century. The construction of the Lady Chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, exemplifies the Gothic style with its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery.

The Cathedral Close

Surrounding the cathedral is the Cathedral Close, a tranquil area that includes the Bishop’s Palace and other ancillary buildings. The Close has been an integral part of Lichfield Cathedral’s history, providing a serene space for contemplation and reflection. The Close also serves as a physical representation of the cathedral’s connection to the wider community.

Turbulent Times

Lichfield Cathedral, like many medieval structures, faced challenges during times of political and religious upheaval. The English Reformation in the 16th century, initiated by King Henry VIII, resulted in the dissolution of monasteries and significant changes to religious practices. Lichfield Cathedral, being a center of religious authority, felt the impact of these reforms.

Despite the challenges, the cathedral managed to survive and adapt. Some parts of the medieval structure were lost, but others were preserved or repurposed. The enduring resilience of Lichfield Cathedral is a testament to its enduring significance and the determination of those who sought to safeguard it.

Civil War and Restoration

The 17th century brought a new set of challenges as England became embroiled in a civil war between the Royalists and Parliamentarians. Lichfield Cathedral, caught in the crossfire, suffered damage during the conflict. The spire, which had been a defining feature of the cathedral, was destroyed in 1646 by Parliamentary forces.

The subsequent years saw efforts to repair and restore the cathedral. Sir Christopher Wren, the renowned architect responsible for St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, was involved in the restoration work. The iconic central spire, although smaller than its predecessor, was rebuilt, and other parts of the cathedral were repaired.

Georgian and Victorian Eras

The Georgian and Victorian eras brought further changes to Lichfield Cathedral. The 18th century saw renovations influenced by the prevailing Georgian architectural style, while the 19th century witnessed a renewed interest in the Gothic Revival. The influential architect Sir George Gilbert Scott played a key role in restoring and enhancing Lichfield Cathedral during this period.

Scott’s contributions included the restoration of the Lady Chapel and the creation of new stained glass windows. His commitment to preserving the medieval character of the cathedral while incorporating Victorian innovations is evident in the seamless integration of new elements with the existing structure.

Lichfield and Literature

Lichfield Cathedral has not only played a role in religious and architectural history but has also left its mark on literature. The city of Lichfield was the birthplace of Dr. Samuel Johnson, a renowned 18th-century lexicographer and writer. Johnson’s connection to Lichfield and his visits to the cathedral are commemorated within its walls.

The close association between Lichfield and literature is further exemplified by the annual Lichfield Literature Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich literary heritage. The cathedral, with its atmospheric surroundings, provides an inspiring backdrop for events that celebrate the written word.

Modern Times and Preservation Efforts

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Lichfield Cathedral has continued to be a thriving center of worship, cultural events, and historical preservation. Ongoing preservation efforts ensure that the cathedral’s architectural splendor and historical significance are maintained for future generations.

Visitors to Lichfield Cathedral today can marvel at the intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and the overall grandeur of the structure. The cathedral also hosts various events, including concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs, fostering a connection between the ancient past and the contemporary world.

Lichfield Cathedral stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of faith, resilience, and architectural brilliance. From its humble beginnings as a Saxon monastery to its evolution into a Gothic masterpiece, the cathedral has weathered the storms of history. Each chapter of its history, marked by triumphs and tribulations, contributes to the rich tapestry of Lichfield’s cultural and religious heritage.

As visitors enter the hallowed halls of Lichfield Cathedral, they are not just stepping into a place of worship but embarking on a journey through time. The echoes of centuries past resonate within its walls, inviting all who enter to partake in the ongoing story of Lichfield Cathedral—a story that continues to unfold with each passing year.

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Lichfield Cathedral

Welcome to Lichfield Cathedral, where you can discover over 1300 years of history in the only medieval three spired Cathedral in the UK! See a medieval wall painting, the famous Herkenrode stained glass, the Lichfield Angel and much more.

Lichfield, Staffordshire

Opening times

We are free to enter, however donations are encouraged. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6.15pm and Sunday 12.30pm to 5pm.

The Close Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 7LD

52.6851918, -1.8304452

Lichfield Cathedral has been a place for worship and learning for around 1300 years, and it continues in that tradition to this day. 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. This magnificent building has a rich history, reflected in its architecture and treasures. As a place of great beauty, it continues to inspire and encourage all who visits it as tourists, pilgrims or worshippers. We are committed to the daily offering of worship and prayer to God, and offer spiritual nourishment and welcome all who come on their own journey of search and discovery. The Cathedral is situated in a picturesque close, one of the best preserved in the country. In addition to daily services, the Cathedral also acts as a stunning venue for a range of events including concerts, gala dinners, festivals, awards ceremonies, performances, debates, educational forums and more.

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( Image credit: HughLlewelyn)

Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield cathedral has a splendid setting and a fascinating history. its three spires are unique amongst medieval cathedrals and are often referred to as 'the ladies of the vale'..

The church's history begins in the 7th century when Bishop Chad moved the seat of his diocese to Lichfield. Although only Bishop for three years, Chad converted many to Christianity and after his death he remained a popular figure inspiring many miracles. From 700 his body was interred in a Saxon cathedral which lies beneath the present building. In the latter years of the 11th century a Norman building began to replace the Saxon one and a few pieces of the Norman stonework are still visible in Consistory Court. At about the same time Bishop de Clinton fortified the Close and laid out the City to cater for the pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Chad. Within a century, however, work began on the Gothic cathedral, which we see today. The Choir dates from 1200, the Transepts from 1220 to 1240 and the Nave was started in 1260. Through the next hundred years, additions were made, including the Vestibule which leads from the north Choir Aisle to the Chapter House and contains a unique medieval pedilavium where, following the example of Jesus at the Last Supper, feet were washed on Maundy Thursday. The octagonal Chapter House, which was completed in 1249 and is one of the most beautiful parts of the Cathedral with some charming stone carvings, houses an exhibition of the Cathedral's greatest treasure, the Lichfield Gospels, an 8th century illuminated manuscript.

In 1285 the nave was rebuilt and then the Lady Chapel, completed in 1330, was built to contain the shrine of St Chad. Today it contains the 16th century Herckenrode glass. During the English Civil War in the 1640's the destruction was intense as the Cathedral was at the centre of some of the fiercest fighting of the war. At the end of three bitter sieges the church had been devastated by war damage, troop garrisons, and vandalism. After the Restoration of Charles II, Bishop Hacket and his prebendaries began a long process of restoring the Cathedral to its former glory. Although the 18th century was a Golden Age for the city of Lichfield, it was a period of decay for the Cathedral. The 15th century library, on the north side of the nave, was pulled down and the books moved to their present location above the Chapter House. Most of the statues on the West Front were removed and the stonework covered with Roman cement. At the end of the century James Wyatt organised some major structural work, removing the High Alter to make one worship area of Choir and Lady Chapel and adding a massive stone screen at the entrance to the Choir. In the early years of the 19th century the Cathedral acquired two of its most famous treasures. In 1803 Sir Brooke Boothby bought the magnificent Flemish stained glass from Herckenrode Abbey which was placed in the windows of the Lady Chapel. Then in 1820 at the request of Ellen Jane Robinson, Francis Chantry sculpted his monument to her dead daughters known as 'The Sleeping Children'. It was only 60 years after Wyatt's work that Sir Gilbert Scott was commissioned to undertake his own programme of restoration. This was carried out with great sensitivity, working with original materials where possible and creating fine new imitations and additions when the originals were not available. Wyatt's choir-screen had utilised medieval stone-work which Scott in turn used to create the clergy's seats in the sanctuary. The new metal screen by Francis Skidmore and John Birnie Philip to designs by Scott himself is a triumph of High Victorian art, as are the fine Minton tiles in the choir, inspired by the medieval ones found in the Choir foundations and still seen in the Library. Fresh restoration work continued throughout the 20th century. In 1957 extensive work was carried out on the roofing and spires, a process which began again in 1987 with a ten year programme of repair and cleaning. Facilities for visitors in the Close have been improved by a Visitors' Study Centre, a tea room and a bookshop. Today concerts and major artistic events are often held in the Cathedral, especially in July when the annual International Lichfield Festival is held. Visitors for twelve hundred years have been coming to the Cathedral and visitors will continue to be attracted. You can visit the Lichfield Cathedral website .

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Lichfield (Staffordshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Lichfield (Staffordshire, England)

Famed for its three-spired cathedral and profuse Georgian architecture, Lichfield is a glorious city 16 miles north of Birmingham.

The cathedral is the obligatory first port of call, for its Gothic lines, invaluable Flemish stained glass and an 8th-century carving of an angel.

Enveloping this monument is one of the UK’s most unspoilt Cathedral Closes, an enclave previously reserved for clergy and endowed with solemn houses dating mostly from Medieval times to the 18th century.

There are more Georgian townhouses to appreciate around the city, one where Samuel Johnson was born in 1709, and another chosen as a home by Erasmus Darwin.

Both are now museums to these two giants of 18th-century English culture.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Lichfield :

1. Lichfield Cathedral

A spellbinding monument with a turbulent history, Lichfield Cathedral has architecture from all phases of the English Gothic, but was hit hard by a siege in the English Civil War in the 17th century.

This has been a Christian site since the 700s when a church was built to house the bones of St Chad (d.

672). Today’s building was begun at the end of the 12th century, taking the place of an earlier Romanesque cathedral.

It’s the only Medieval cathedral in the UK with three spires, and has lots of absorbing stories to tell.

The windows of the Lady Chapel for example are fitted with some of the finest Flemish Medieval stained glass found anywhere.

These 16th-century windows used to be at the Abbey of Herkenrode and were brought here in 1801, replacing stained glass lost in the Civil War.

On permanent display is a stupendous 8th-century carved panel of the Archangel Gabriel, dubbed the Lichfield Angel and discovered under the nave in 2003.

2. Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

Samuel Johnson, one of the English language’s greatest men of letters, was born at the house on the corner of Breadmarket Street and Market Street in 1709. At that time this four-storey Palladian building was just two years old, having been ordered by Johnson’s father, Michael.

Samuel spent most of the first 27 years of his life here, and in 1901 the town established a museum in recognition of its most famous citizen.

In rooms returned to early 18th-century settings there’s a complete biography of Johnson’s life, from a difficult childhood to professional obscurity and then world-renown as the author of the first authoritative dictionary of the English language in 1755. His biography is relayed with multimedia, as well as an enormous of Johnson-related artefacts donated over the last century.

There are letters, rare editions of his works, manuscripts, pieces of furniture, prints and paintings.

Johnson’s tea set, armchair, portable writing desk and breakfast table are all here.

3. Erasmus Darwin House

Grandfather of Charles Darwin, Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802) was an 18th-century doctor, intellectual and abolitionist, and a central figure of the Midlands Enlightenment that helped give birth to the Industrial Revolution.

His fine townhouse on Beacon Street, just off the Cathedral Close, has become a writer’s house museum dedicated to his life.

Darwin lived here from 1758 and 1781, and in that time leading lights of the period like inventor James Watt, Benjamin Franklin and pottery entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood were all guests.

In rooms replete with 18th-century furniture and decorative arts, the most treasured exhibit is Darwin’s Common Place Book, which contains notes on his medical cases, drawing of inventions, as well as wider musings on botany and meteorology.

Outside is a recreation of Dr Darwin’s medicinal herb garden, side by side with Mrs Darwin’s culinary herb garden.

4. St Mary’s in the Market Square

The neo-Gothic Church on Lichfield’s Market Square dates from 1870 but is the third church to stand on this spot since the 12th century.

It’s a head-turning monument, built from Derbyshire sandstone, but come the middle of the 20th century the congregation had dwindled as residents left Lichfield’s city centre for the suburbs.

In the 1970s, to save the church from demolition, an initiative was launched to turn St Mary’s into a multi-use cultural facility.

Newly updated in 2018, there’s an exhibition about the history of Lichfield, as well as a performance space for live music, dance and drama.

5. Cathedral Close

Looping around the cathedral and its green is the Cathedral Close, traced by grand old houses.

Most of the facades are from the 18th and 19th century, but generally these conceal much older buildings going back to Medieval times.

Nearly all the properties are owned by the cathedral and were previously set within a walled enclosure defended to the south by the Minster Pool.

One of the prettiest parts is the Vicars’ Close in the far western corner, which has an idyllic row of black and white half-timbered houses.

On the northeast end is the former Bishops Palace from 1687, in the William and Mary style and now occupied by the Cathedral School.

6. Letocetum Roman Baths and Museum

At the village of Wall, moments south of Lichfield there was an important Roman fort and staging post on Watling Street, a 276-mile Roman Road weaving across England from the Kentish ports to Wroxeter, via London.

Later, long-distance civilian travellers would stop here for accommodation, to change horses and bathe.

The ground floors of Letocetum’s 2nd century mansio (stopping place) and baths have been excavated and safeguarded as a National Trust site.

There are information panels, as well as a museum open on the last weekend of the month, with artefacts unearthed at the site.

7. Beacon Park

On land that used to be under the Minster Pool, the Victorian Beacon Park is 70 acres of exquisite formal gardens and parkland in the middle of the city.

On a summer’s day you could make a cheap family excursion to Beacon Park, boating on the tree-fringed lake, playing crazy golf and sipping a cup of tea on the cafe’s terrace.

The children’s play area is as good as it gets, with a climbable pirate ship and train, while donkey rides are available in good weather.

To the west the park has an 18-hole pitch and putt, great for families and serious players who want to perfect their approach shots.

8. Guildhall

The exact age of this stunning Medieval building on Bore Street is unknown, but it is thought to have been completed sometime in the late 14th century when the incorporation of Lichfield’s Guild was confirmed by Richard II. The Guildhall is mostly an events venue, but if you can get inside, take in the hammerbeam roof and rich oak panelling.

Attached to the building is a prison for “felons and debtors”, built in the middle of the 16th century.

The cells can be visited on Saturdays and have a small exhibition with antique leg stocks and manacles.

9. Stowe Pool

One of two large man-made bodies of water in the city, Stowe Pool has an extremely pretty perspective of the cathedral from its north and east shores.

The pool first took shape in the 1000s when a brook was dammed close to St Chad’s Church to power a mill.

It soon became a fishery, belonging to the Bishop of Lichfield.

Even now the pool is stocked with large numbers of bream, pike, eel, perch, tench, carp and roach, as well as a rare population of white-clawed crayfish.

Samuel Johnson would come for walks at Stowe Pool, and his father owned a parchment factory on the north shore.

Close by is Johnson’s Willow, which descends from a large willow tree that Johnson loved.

10. Minster Pool

Intersecting with the Cathedral Close, the pedestrianised Dam Street has two fronts of Georgian townhouses, interspersed with low, half-timbered cottages.

Keep your eyes peeled here for a plaque commemorating the 2nd Baron Brooke, killed at this spot in 1643 by sniper fire during an assault on the cathedral in the Civil War.

In Medieval times a stream had been dammed south of the cathedral to create the Minster Pool.

Back then the pool was twice the size it is today, extending into what is now Beacon Park across Bird Street on its southwest end.

This section silted up in the 19th century and was planted over.

The Minster Pool owes its current romantic appearance to late-18th-century landscaping, intended to make it resemble the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

Traced with lawns and mature trees, the delightful Minster Pool Walk on the east bank was plotted around that time.

11. National Memorial Arboretum

On a 150-acre site in the National Forest, the National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s centre for Remembrance throughout the year.

There are more than 330 military and civilian memorials in the arboretum, wrapped in lush parkland and woodland planted over the last 30 years.

On this thought-provoking site are monuments to the Berlin Airlift, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Polish Service Men and Women, Commonwealth soldiers executed for desertion in the First World War, to name a small few.

The largest is the Armed Forces Memorial, commemorating personnel killed since the end of the Second World War.

Recently opened, the Remembrance Centre hosts exhibitions and has a cafe and gift shop.

12. Chasewater Country Park

This open space to the west of Lichfield encloses a functioning canal feeder reservoir first built in 1797 for the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

By the middle of the 20th century canals were pretty much obsolete as a form of transport, and the reservoir and its banks have become a place for recreation.

Some of the activities available in summer are paddleboarding, waterskiing, zorbing and wakeboarding.

On the paths beside the water you can spot wildlife, go angling, take long bike rides and find a secluded spot for a picnic.

Powered by old steam and engines, the two-mile Chasewater Railway is entirely within the park and once served a colliery in the Cannock Chase coalfields.

13. Staffordshire Regiment Museum

Anyone inspired by military history can make the short journey to this museum at Whittington Barracks, revealing the history of the Staffordshire Regiment and the Mercian Regiment that came before it.

There are around 11,000 objects in the collection, including guns, uniforms, gas masks, canteens and other field equipment, displayed in chronological order to cover everything from the campaigns in India to Kosovo, the Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.

Eight of the fourteen Victoria Crosses (the highest British military medal for gallantry) awarded to the regiment are on display.

There’s much to see outside, like a 100-metre recreation of a First World War trench, anti-tank guns, armoured vehicles used or captured by the regiment and a reproduction of a 1940s air-raid shelter.

14. Hospital of St John the Baptist without the Barrs

If you come to town via Lichfield City train station, you’ll soon set eyes on the eight tall chimney stacks of this Grade I-listed Medieval almshouse.

Here “Barrs” means city gates, and “without” means outside.

The hospital was tied to a priory and was set up in the 12th century to accommodate travellers to the city who arrived after the gates had closed at night.

Those chimneys are Tudor, and were built in the late-15th century when the hospital became sheltered accommodation for the city’s elderly residence, a role it fills to this day.

The 12th-century chapel is open to the public, and after falling into disrepair by the 1600s was heavily restored and extended in the 1800s, with new seating and stained glass windows.

15. Drayton Manor Theme Park

Families with impatient teenagers and children could plan a day out at the Drayton Manor Theme Park, which is less than ten miles from Lichfield.

In 280 acres on a former estate, it’s one of the country’s biggest fourth-biggest theme park by size.

One of many things to love about Drayton Manor is that it only lets in 15,000 people a day to avoid excessive waiting times.

Smaller children will be thrilled with Thomas Land, with 18 different rides based on the TV show Thomas and Friends.

Older kids can test their nerve on high-speed rides like Shockwave, which is Europe’s only stand-up rollercoaster.

Away from this breathless action there’s a 15-acre zoo housing more than 100 species like rheas, red kangaroos, Sumatran tigers, meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs and tropical reptiles like Cuban boas.

15 Best Things to Do in Lichfield (Staffordshire, England):

Lichfield Cathedral
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Erasmus Darwin House
St Mary's in the Market Square
Cathedral Close
Letocetum Roman Baths and Museum
Beacon Park
Minster Pool
National Memorial Arboretum
Chasewater Country Park
Staffordshire Regiment Museum
Hospital of St John the Baptist without the Barrs
Drayton Manor Theme Park

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Lichfield Cathedral Hidden Heights Tour Review

Lichfield Cathedral Hidden Heights Tour…

One sunny day in October 2022, Team Hedgehog decided to take part in Lichfield Cathedral’s Hidden Heights tour – a tour which takes visitors into the roof spaces above the cathedral and reveals some little-known facts about the Cathedral’s history.

About Lichfield Cathedral

St. Chad arrived in Lichfield at around 669 AD, making Lichfield one of the earliest centres of Christian worship in the UK. So venerated was St. Chad, that on his death Lichfield became a place of pilgrimage for those of the Christian faith. Lichfield’s first consecrated cathedral was built around 700 AD and by 1340, the cathedral had been rebuilt in a Gothic Style. Almost destroyed by 3 sieges during the civil war, the cathedral carried on as an important place of worship. In the 19 th century English Gothic Revival architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, restored Lichfield Cathedral to the building we see today. The only English medieval cathedral to have three spires – known locally as the ‘Ladies of the Vale’.

Our Hidden Heights Tour Experience

The tour was booked online, at the time of booking, tickets cost £8 for adults and £5 for children. As this is a medieval cathedral and lifts had not been invented in the middle ages, the booking conditions clearly specified some restrictions including..

Everyone taking part in the visit must have both hands free for the climb of 90 spiral steps to the roof

As we considered ourselves fit and healthy, we continued the booking and the E- tickets arrived promptly.

Being locals, getting to the cathedral was straightforward, for those not familiar with Lichfield Cathedral, parking can be problematic. The cathedral is situated in an historic close more suited to a horse and cart than a modern-day car, so parking nearby is non-existent. The best advice is to park in one of the town centre car parks and walk up to the cathedral, but be warned they get full quickly especially at weekends. To help with accessibility there are a couple of blue badge spaces in the close but these are often taken.

Team Hedgehog gathered at the Cathedral just before our allotted tour time. Entering the cathedral we arrived at a check in desk where we were directed to wait in the centre of the cathedral for our tour guides – Graham and Malcolm. We were not the only people on the tour and a few other people soon joined the group. It was good to see around 20 people of varying ages. Our Guides are cathedral volunteers and are as passionate about the cathedral as they were about giving the tour guests a good time. Graham and Malcolm made quite the double act, with funny dad jokes and one liners flowing. After they had given us a safety brief and checked for suitable footwear, it was time to start the tour.

Our guides led us through an old wooden door, and we started the 90-step spiral climb. Once we had completed the stairs we found ourselves behind a large ‘Wheel’ window. So called because it is in the shape of a large cartwheel, complete with spokes. We stood here for few minutes listening to insights about World War 2 , how all the glass had to be removed to protect it, and how the cathedral was used as a navigation tool by the Luftwaffe who went on to bomb Birmingham and Coventry. As our eyes adjusted, we could then see the vast roof space in front of us. What was surprising was just how warm this void was, the 1960’s insulation seemingly doing a great job. Our guides then talked about this roof space and how engineers had added a concrete ceiling to the cathedral that allowed the roof to float on top. Standing inside the cathedral itself and looking up, one can see an ornate roof with sculptures and gold leaf, standing in the roof void you get to see the other side of rough curved shaped concrete. It’s truly marvellous what George Gilbert Scott’s engineers achieved. Carrying on the tour, we found ourselves at the base of the middle spire, a large square room containing some statues covered in Roman Concrete and a small exhibition of the cathedral. Here our guides talked about the cathedral’s construction, showing us some of the medieval stone mason markings that adorn the cathedral. Its amazing to think that after all these years they still leave their mark. We then left the room into another section of the cathedral’s roof. Each time we entered a roof section we couldn’t help to be amazed at the size of the Oak roof trusses and the fact they still look brand new hundreds of years later. At the end of this void Graham and Malcolm introduce us to St. Chad and give a talk on how important he is to both the Cathedral and Lichfield. St Chad’s life is fascinating. Having been made a Bishop in 669AD and charged with bringing Christianity to Mercia, people travelled far and wide to hear his teachings. Upon his death his relics were taken across Europe. St Chad’s story is one that continues to this day, bringing together both the Catholic and Christian faiths with the installation of a new Shrine to St Chad within the cathedral (read more in the review extras) .

After a chance to ask any questions we were given the opportunity to stand outside on a balcony section that reminded me of a castle rampart. Due to the height (the Cathedral is quite tall, the Central Spire stands 76.8 m (252 ft) tall , much to the excitement of the bishop who is reported to have said that he is closer to Head Office when standing on the roof!) we could see for miles. The Cathedral does supply an amazing view. After a few minutes of trying to work out if we could see our house, it was time to retrace our steps and head back into the Tower Room (at the base of the Central Spire). Here, our guides talked about the near destruction of the cathedral in the civil war and handed out some actual canon balls and shot from that time for us to handle. The weight of those things, wow, just by holding them you really get the sense of how much damage the royalists did to the cathedral.

The Hidden Heights Tour then continued west towards the main façade of the cathedral. Once through the roof space we exited onto another rampart, this time facing the two west spires. The sun was shining, and it made for a spectacular sight. We entered a small doorway into the right hand spire. We looked up and found that we were actually standing at the base of the spire itself, this was an amazing sight and a little windy too! Our guides gave us some more information on how the cathedral was built and asked if anyone had any questions they wanted to ask. With that our tour came to a close. A short walk down some spiral stairs and we found ourselves back by the welcome desk. Just as our guides departed they encouraged us to go and explore the Cathedral while we were there. I thought this was a nice touch and shows how welcoming the cathedral is to visitors.

Lichfield Cathedral Hidden Heights Tour Overall Thoughts

The Hidden Heights Tour was a wonderful experience. The route is well worked out and the guides made it both safe and enjoyable. The information and stories that the guides told was both easy to follow and interesting (even though historical). It was fascinating to hear about the life of St. Chad. It was a privilege to stand on the balconies of this ancient building and look towards the city from a different view point. Team Hedgehog felt that the price the cathedral charged for the tour was fair for the experience provided. The cathedral only runs the tours for a few dates per year, so we would suggest that you keep an eye on their website and book early to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait for what the cathedral comes up with next it really is the jewel in Lichfield’s crown.

The Silver Hedgehog Rating:

Value for money - 10, visit experience - 10, attraction facilities - 5, recommended.

The Hidden Heights Tour was a wonderful experience.

Find Out more about our ratings here

Words Garry

Photos, JJ and Garry

Review Extras

Lichfield cathedral history, st. chads new shrine, siege of lichfield.

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Author: Garry Llewellyn

Lichfield Cathedral

[email protected]
Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7LD
01543 306100
West Midlands
Staffordshire

Discover over 1300 years of history in the only medieval three-spired Cathedral in the UK!

Indoors Attraction

Family Friendly Attraction

Accessible Attraction

Dogs Not allowed

Opening Times

Monday to Friday : 7:30am to 6:15pm Saturday : 8am to 6:15pm Sunday : 7:30am to 5pm

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Cathedral begins new partnership scheme with local businesses

A new scheme has been launched to offer businesses the chance to help keep Lichfield Cathedral open for generations to come.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276

The cathedral has launched a new Corporate Patrons Scheme, which offers local businesses the chance to play a role in keeping the 1,300-year-old building open for all, for generations to come.

The first businesses to join this scheme are BHB Architects, Jayman Estate Agents, Richard Winterton Auctioneers and the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

The scheme offers a wide range of benefits for businesses, including exclusive events and the unique opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of the Cathedral.

A spokeswoman for Lichfield Cathedral said: "The Cathedral carries out an active programme of services and other events throughout the year, with organists and choristers providing music at our daily services.

"There has been a cathedral in Lichfield since 670; the current building dates to the 12th century, housing priceless art and artefacts.

"The annual running costs and upkeep of the Cathedral currently stands at around £5,000 per day, two thirds of which comes from the generosity of our donors, supporters and volunteers which we could not do without."

Dr Marie Janson, director of development at Lichfield Cathedral said: “Lichfield Cathedral has a special place in the hearts and minds of people in Lichfield and surrounding counties.

"By joining the Corporate Patrons Scheme, businesses will play an important role helping us keep Lichfield Cathedral as a place of welcome and solace to all, as well as being a magnificent national and international visitor attraction.”

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at BHB Architects said: “BHB Architects have generously supported Lichfield Cathedral for many years and we are delighted to be part of the new Corporate Patrons scheme.”

James Greaves, Director at Jayman Estate Agents said: “Jayman Estate Agents has worked exclusively with Lichfield Cathedral for many years handling its lettings, and our annual sponsorship of the Christmas Tree has become a local tradition in Lichfield.

"We are very excited to become a Corporate Patron of Lichfield Cathedral and support this new initiative for local businesses to get behind such a special building.”

Richard Winterton said: “Richard Winterton Auctioneers have been proud sponsors of the Christmas Light Show at Lichfield Cathedral for years.

"We enjoy our involvement with the Cathedral and are delighted to have the opportunity deepen our support by becoming members of the new Corporate Patron scheme.”

Businesses who are interested in joining the scheme are invited to get in contact with Oliver Birch, the Cathedral’s Development Manager, by emailing [email protected] or byu going to the webiste at lichfield-cathedral.org/corporatepatron

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