Lichfield City

A Tiny City

Lichfield is more like a town but is designated a city as it boasts a three-spire cathedral and a classic medieval one at that. 

With 1500 years of history, Lichfield still retains its character, making it a delightful place for an afternoon outing. Dr Samuel Johnson’s birthplace, a tad of Tudor architecture,a bit of Georgian, Victorian ‘pleasure gardens’ and promenades, the remains of the cathedral moat.

Aside from the landmarks, there are many good cafes, eating places and a pleasant shopping area – all contribute to making a wander through the city centre a well-worth exploration.

Lichfield Cathedral

The cathedral’s history began with one man – Chad. When he was appointed Bishop of Murcia in 669, he moved the See from Repton to Lichfield, believed to be the site of the martyrdom of thousands of Christians during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 300AD. By 700AD Lichfield had become a place of pilgrimage. The present cathedral was started in 1195. 

During the English Civil War, the Cathedral came under siege three times. The central spire was destroyed and a huge amount of damage was done to the interior by the anti-Royalists, led by Oliver Cromwell. In the subsequent centuries, the cathedral has been rebuilt and restored, so that today it is difficult to see which is restoration and which original.

Tamworth Castle

Shortly after the Norman conquest, Robert le Despenser built the first castle on this site. A simple moat-and-bailey fort, it was replaced in the 12th century by the present stone castle, built by Robert Marmion.

The castle changed hands many times, with numerous modifications. It was twice threatened with destruction, once by King John the First as revenge against Marmion, and once by Oliver Cromwell in the Civil War. With all the historic happenings, Lichfield has had the good fortune to remain a vibrant city.

Lichfield Parks

Lichfield has a lot of green spaces. Many of these were created in the late Victorian era, when the benefits of greenery, fresh air, and gentle exercise were being realised. 

Beacon Park with its 69 acres, is one of the more popular parks in the town and has many sporting and recreational facilities for use by the public, including an 18-hole golf course, football pitches, tennis courts and bowling greens.