Pictures of Lichfield Cathedral

a Cathedral in the town of Lichfield, in the county of Staffordshire

About Lichfield Cathedral

Most recently Lichfield Cathedral has been the scene of an important archaeological find which has astounded the world of archaeology and historians. It is a rare sculpture of an angel, quite possibly from Saxon times, it was discovered during recent excavations, with the colours of the sculpture being as vibrant today as it must have been when first cast.

Lichfield is the only English Cathedral to preserve three stone spires, these are intricately decorated, very graceful and can be seen as a landmark from most parts of the town, they are known locally as "The Ladies of the Vale". The Cathedral also has the distinction of once being the seat of an archbishopric. The See was established by St.Chad, in 669, as the centre of Christianity in the Kingdom of Mercia. During the reign of Offa in the 8th-century, Mercia became the most important of all the English kingdom's. At this time Offa sought and was granted papal permission to elevate his bishop to the eminent status of archbishop. History records that Offa's successors, unable to maintain the distinction the kingdom enjoyed under Offa, soon lost Mercia's pre-eminence and in 1803 Lichfield was down-graded to become again a bishopric.

As we look at the majestic building before us, what we see is a Cathedral of the 13th-century, it's dominant feature is the great West facade, built at this time. This has the overall appearance of a magnificent screen, filled with tiers of rising niches containing sculpture. From the exterior these statues over-shadow the small entrance doors at the base and the great west window.

The Civil War and Cromwell's troops caused much damage to the Cathedral, the central tower was destroyed and lead and other metals were stolen. Lichfield lay as it was until after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 when the task of restoration began. The Cathedral remains one of England's most beautiful, despite the 18th and 19th-century practice amongst restorers to replace rather than restore and visitors can see restoration work by both Wyatt and Sir Gilbert Scott. This is a magnificent house of God which is well worth your time if only to see the amazing facade showing more than a hundred carved statues, but to enter through its doors is to enter a world of church grace and overwhelming beauty.

Add attraction to favourites

Submit a history of Lichfield Cathedral

Recommended attractions near Lichfield Cathedral

	Letocetum Roman Baths (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction S) Excavated Roman bathhouse and remains of buildings... Information \| Hotels
	The National Memorial Arboretum (5.4 miles, 8.6 km, direction NE) Located in the heart of the country, the National Memorial Arboretum comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the..... Information \| Pictures (6) \| Hotels
	Tamworth Castle (6.6 miles, 10.7 km, direction SE) .. Information \| Pictures (9) \| Hotels
	Drayton Manor Park (7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction SE) .. Information \| Pictures (5) \| Hotels
	Walsall Arboretum (8.7 miles, 13.9 km, direction SW) Gracious Victorian park of immense charm just a few minutes walk away from the town. It is a peaceful oasis for quiet walks..... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels

All attractions in Staffordshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns & villages near Lichfield Cathedral

	Tamworth (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction SE) In the 8th century the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia was ruled from Tamworth. Later in AD 913, a fortress was built here by the daughter of King Alfred... Information \| Pictures (17) \| Hotels
	Kingsbury (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction SE) Kingsbury lies in a quiet corner of Warwickshire, it is most notable for its water-park which offers an oasis of calm for visitors escaping the hurried life of Birmingham and other nearby cities and large towns... Information \| Pictures (137) \| Hotels
	Burton upon Trent (11.6 miles, 18.7 km, direction NE) Burton-on-Trent is an attractive town, it has a pleasing market place surrounded by pleasant properties, some being timber-frame black and white... Information \| Pictures (20) \| Hotels
	Walton-on-the-Hill (11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction NW) Walton on the hill is a pretty village a short distance from the favoured town of Epsom and the famous "downs" racecourse... Information \| Hotels
	Tutbury (13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction NE) This picturesque little town in the Dove Valley is dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle... Information \| Pictures (10) \| Hotels

All towns in Staffordshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Lichfield City Station	(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)
Lichfield Trent Valley Station	(1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction E)
M6 Toll Junction T5	(2.5 miles, 3.9 km, direction S)
M6 Toll Junction T4	(3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction S)
Birmingham International Airport	(16.6 miles, 26.8 km, direction S)
East Midlands Airport	(23.6 miles, 38.0 km, direction NE)
Lichfield Cathedral to London	(109.3 miles, 175.8 km, direction SE)

Hotels near Lichfield Cathedral

	The George Hotel Bird St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) A charming 18th century coaching inn set in the heart of Lichfield. 45 en suite bedrooms, carvery restaurant, conference and banqueting facilities for up to 110 guests. The George is just a 5 minute... More info and book online.. Price from £48.00
	Express By Holiday Inn Lichfield Wall Island, Birmingham Road, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction S) Stay Smart at the Express in Lichfield! Only one mile from the city centre. Express by Holiday Inn Lichfield is ideally located, 15 miles from the National Exhibition Centre, the largest exhibition ... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00
	Menzies Barons Court Walsall Rd, Walsall Wood, Walsall, West Midlands, England (6.0 miles, 9.6 km, direction SW) This modern 4 star hotel with indoor leisure facilities is conveniently situated just north of Birmingham. Located close to Britain's motorway network, the hotel is ideal for both business & leisure. ... More info and book online.. Price from £49.00
	Fairlawns At Aldridge, Hotel And Spa Little Aston Road, Aldridge, Birmingham, Walsall, West Midlands, England (6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction SW) This friendly hotel with fitness club and spa is set in extensive grounds, convenient for Birmingham, 10 minutes from the M6 toll and M6. The hotel offers a warm welcome, fresh food, adult fitness ... More info and book online.. Price from £45.00
	Gungate Hotel 62 Upper Gungate, Tamworth, Staffordshire, England (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SE) Beautifully restored, Victorian hotel and coach house annex. Situated within 5 minutes walking distance of the town centre on the best side of town. The Hotel has a fully licensed bar, large double... More info and book online.. Price from £55.00