Saint Chad holding court outside Lichfield Cathedral in the early morning sunshine of Friday 19th August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
When in the process of moving to central England from its sunny South Coast in the Millennium year of 1999, the city of Lichfield was a prime candidate I considered only because of its historical name recognition and because, frankly, I was still a kid at heart, didn’t know what in hell’s name I was doing moving away from my hometown (strictly a city, and even an island!) and I panicked with the clock against me and moved somewhere else. This isn’t a lament that I should have moved here. I have that in spades with my spiritual home of nearby Ironbridge. But I’d travelled to Lichfield when I was a good little corporate climber many, many times, but had never really stopped to smell the travelling roses.
All that changed today, and here is the beautiful evidence.
The pictorial stroll will take us via the gardens of “Beacon Park” (and hopefully a surprising and unexpected character or two) before a detailed look at the outside architecture of the cathedral sandwiches some rather delightful images from inside this 12th Century Grade I listed building and only medieval English cathedral with three spires.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this virtual stroll in the English summer sunshine of an early afternoon in the middle of both August, England itself, and the second of our Summer heatwaves!
*All images captured by me on Friday 19th August 2022*
Welcome to the cathedral city of Lichfield, twinned with Limburg an der Lahn in the Rhine Valley of Germany and Sainte Foy Les Lyon, three miles from the centre of France’s “second city”, Lyon.
A magnificent welcome to the Museum Gardens of “Beacon Park” and from King Edward VII — Part 1
A magnificent welcome to the Museum Gardens of “Beacon Park” and from King Edward VII — Part 2
The water fountain and centrepiece of these beautiful gardens.
Beautiful “Beacon Park” and a most unexpected visitor awaits our presence.
Taken directly from the weather beaten commemorative plaque — “Commander Edward John Smith RD RNR (1850–1912) Captain of the White Star Liner “The Titanic”. Captain Smith was the officer in charge of the RMS Titanic. He died on the 15th April 1912 alongside more than 1,500 people when his ship sank after striking an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York”. His last known phrase of “Be British” is noted, as is the fact it was sculptured out of bronze by Lady Kathleen Scott, widow of the explorer “Scott of the Antarctic”.
World War Memorial inside the “Memorial Gardens” that back onto the grounds of the Cathedral.
St Chad welcomes you to the magnificent Lichfield Cathedral — Part 1.
St Chad welcomes you to the magnificent Lichfield Cathedral — Part 2.
St Chad welcomes you to the magnificent Lichfield Cathedral — Part 3.
A rear view of the cathedral and the merest glimpse of the third spire that makes this 12th Century Grade I listed building so unique.
All three spires of Lichfield Cathedral and a dark and moody lighted side view!
The architectural beauty of one of the many side entrances to the Cathedral.
Two of the three spires towering over the quaint and period preserved buildings that surround it.
Welcome to the architectural beauty that is Lichfield Cathedral.
A closer up view of the unbelievable architectural design of the entrance to the cathedral as well as the “Cathedral Beach” and tourist spots to sit and drink in the magnificence.
The incredible entrance to Lichfield Cathedral in close up — Part 1.
The incredible entrance to Lichfield Cathedral in close up — Part 2.
The incredible entrance to Lichfield Cathedral in close up — Part 3.
The congregation seats leading to the “chancel” and the entire length of this magnificent cathedral.
The first of two stained glass window images that bookend six internal images of the cathedral.
View back from the “chancel” across the congregation chairs and the main cathedral entrance.
A beautiful juxtaposition of images within a single, sobering memorial.
There was a small service taking place as I ambled around and this is quite the setting.
“Here you see a reproduction of the “Lichfield Angel” (the original can be viewed in the Chapter House). It was discovered during 2003 during an archaeological dig under the nave sanctuary before installing the nave platform”.
A final stained glass window with which to bid a farewell to the inside of the cathedral.
Three jigsaw puzzle pieces of the outside of Lichfield Cathedral — Part 1.
Three jigsaw puzzle pieces of the outside of Lichfield Cathedral — Part 2.
Three jigsaw puzzle pieces of the outside of Lichfield Cathedral — Part 3.
Another side entrance and another piece of architectural beauty.
A final view of a “needle” soaring into the Lichfield sky.
A final farewell from St Chad. Thanks Lichfield. I shall return someday soon.
Your humble narrator, larking around inside the remains of Lilleshall Abbey, early August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Thanks for reading. My “Summer Project” has taken me to the waterways and many historical castle ruins as I’ve crisscrossed the border between England and Wales and my three most recently published travel articles are linked below:
