Where is Lichfield Cathedral?

Lichfield Cathedral is at  The Close, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7LD

 

In brief

Lichfield Cathedral has a history dating back to the late 12th century. It is dedicated to St Chad and St Mary. It is the only medieval English church to have three spires. It is a Grade I listed building. During the 17th century it was damaged during the English Civil War, but repaired after the Restoration and in the Victorian period. Even today there is parts of the Cathedral that need repairing.

Lichfield Cathedral (June 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Lichfield Cathedral - history

Lichfield Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St Chad and St Mary has a history dating back to the early 13th century.

Lichfield Cathedral (June 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The first cathedral to be built on this site was around 700, before that Chad was made Bishop of Mercia in 669. After he died in 672, his remains were buried here, and his shrine attracted many pilgrims.

Lichfield Cathedral (June 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The original Saxon church was wooden, but when the Normans took over, it was replaced by stone from 1085 through to the 12th century.

Lichfield Cathedral (January 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The cathedral suffered damage during the English Civil War between 1643 and 1646. After the restoration in the 1660s funds were donated by the restored Charles II, and his statue originally stood between the two spires, but is now outside of the south doors.

Lichfield Cathedral (April 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It is the seat of the Bishop of Lichfield, and is near the Minster Pool, and not far from the Stowe Pool. It can be seen from the spire climb at St Mary in the Market Square.

Lichfield Cathedral (April 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

While the 18th century was a period of decay for the City of Lichfield, during the 19th century there was a major Victorian restoration by George Gilbert Scott. New statues were carved between 1877 and 1884 for the empty niches by Robert Bridgeman of Lichfield. The statue of Queen Victoria was carved by her daughter, Princess Louise.

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Into the 21st century, and a new statue of St Chad was unveiled in 2021, while in 2022, they are fund raising for more repairs to the rear of the cathedral.

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Statue of King Charles II

The statue of King Charles II dates to 1669 and was sculpted by William Wilson. It was commissioned shortly after the restoration.

Statue of Charles II at Lichfield Cathedral (June 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It was near the west front from 1669, but was moved in 1877 to the North West Tower. In 1986 it was moved to it's current location.

Statue of Charles II at Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Statue of St Chad

A bronze statue unveiled in June 2021 of St Chad, by sculptor Peter Walker. It was commissioned by Lichfield Cathedral and dedicated by the 99th Bishop of Lichfield.

Statue of St Chad at Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

A look inside Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Memorials inside Lichfield Cathedral

Statue of Henry Ryder, Bishop of Lichfield (1824 - 1836)

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Marble bust of David Garrick.

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Marble medallion of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Tomb of Henry Moore, Archdeacon of Lichfield 1855 - 1876.

Lichfield Cathedral (October 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

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