Lichfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lichfield
City and civil parish
From top left: Lichfield Cathedral; Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum; Quonians Lane; Garrick Theatre and skyline of the city.
Coat of arms of Lichfield Motto: Salve, magna parens (Hail, great parent)
Lichfield
Area	14.02 km2 (5.41 sq mi)
Population	34,738
• Density	2,478/km2 (6,420/sq mi)
Demonym	Lichfieldian
OS grid reference	SK115097
• London	121 miles (195 km) NNW
Civil parish	Lichfield
District	Lichfield
Shire county	Staffordshire
Region	West Midlands
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	LICHFIELD
Postcode district	WS13, WS14
Dialling code	01543
Police	Staffordshire
Fire	Staffordshire
Ambulance	West Midlands
EU Parliament	West Midlands
UK Parliament	Lichfield
Website	www.lichfield.gov.uk
List of places UK England Staffordshire 52°40′55″N 1°49′44″W / 52.682°N 1.829°W / 52.682; -1.829

Lichfield (/ˈlɪtʃfiːld/) is a historic city in Staffordshire, England. It is famous for its beautiful cathedral with three spires. Lichfield is about 18 miles (29 km) south-east of Stafford. In 2021, about 34,738 people lived here.

Lichfield is known as the birthplace of Samuel Johnson. He wrote the first important Dictionary of the English Language. The city's story began in 669 AD. That's when Chad of Mercia came to set up his church area. Lichfield grew as a religious center for Mercia. In 2009, the Staffordshire Hoard was found near Lichfield. This was the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found.

In the 12th century, Roger de Clinton helped the city grow. He built defenses around the Cathedral Close. He also planned the city's streets, which are still used today. The 18th century was a great time for Lichfield. It became a busy city for coaches. Many famous thinkers lived here, like Samuel Johnson. He even called Lichfield "a city of philosophers."

Today, Lichfield is still an important religious center. It has kept much of its old charm. The city center has over 230 listed buildings. Many of these are Georgian style buildings.

What Does the Name Lichfield Mean?

The name "Lichfield" has an interesting past. It comes from an old British name, Letocetum. This name meant "Grey wood." It referred to a Roman-British village about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of the city.

The name Letocetum changed into an Old English word, Licid. Then, the Old English word feld (meaning "open country") was added. So, Licidfeld became "Lichfield."

Some people used to believe that Lichfield meant "field of the dead." They thought a thousand Christians were killed here around 300 AD. But there is no proof for this story.

Lichfield's Long History

Early Settlements and Roman Times

The first signs of people living here are from the Mesolithic period. These are flints found on a hill near St Michael on Greenhill. Later, Neolithic settlements were found near Lichfield Cathedral.

About 2.2 mi (3.5 km) south-west of Lichfield was a Roman settlement called Letocetum. It started as a Roman army fort in 50 AD. By the 2nd century, it was a town with a bath house. Letocetum slowly declined by the 4th century. The Romans left by the 5th century. Lichfield might have grown as people moved from Letocetum.

The Middle Ages

The three-spired Lichfield Cathedral was built between 1195 and 1249

St Michael's Churchyard 1840

Lichfield's early history is not very clear. The first real record is from 669 AD. It says St Chad made Lichfield the main church center for the Mercians. Wulfhere, the first Christian king of Mercia, gave land to St Chad. This helped Lichfield become the center of the Diocese of Lichfield.

In July 2009, the amazing Staffordshire Hoard was found near Lichfield. It was a huge collection of Anglo-Saxon gold. It was probably buried in the 7th century.

The first cathedral was built around 700 AD. Bishop Hædde built it to hold St Chad's bones. St Chad had become a very important saint. Kings of Mercia were also buried here. This made Lichfield even more famous. For a short time, Lichfield was even an archbishopric. This meant it had power over many other bishops. But this power lasted only 16 years.

During the 9th century, Vikings attacked Mercia. Lichfield was not protected by walls. The cathedral was damaged. So, Bishop Peter moved the church center to Chester in 1075. In 1086, Lichfield was just a small village.

Work on the current Gothic cathedral started in 1195. In 1153, King Stephen allowed Lichfield to have markets. Markets have been held in the Market Square ever since.

Bishop Roger de Clinton helped shape the city's streets. He also built defenses around the cathedral area. He put gates where roads entered the town. In 1291, a big fire damaged most of Lichfield. But the Cathedral and its Close were safe.

In 1387, Richard II allowed a guild to be formed. This guild acted like the local government. It was later dissolved by Edward VI. He officially made Lichfield a town in 1548.

Early Modern Times

Map of Lichfield in 1781

The changes made by Henry VIII greatly affected Lichfield. The Reformation stopped pilgrims from visiting St Chad's shrine. This hurt the city's economy. In 1593, the plague killed over a third of the people.

In 1612, Edward Wightman was executed in the Market Place. He was the last person in England to be burned for heresy.

Samuel Johnson was born in Breadmarket Street in 1709

Statue of Dr Johnson in Lichfield's Market Square

Photograph of Johnson statue taken in 1859

During the English Civil War, Lichfield was divided. Some people supported the King, while others supported Parliament. The cathedral area was fortified in 1643. Lichfield was important because of its location on supply routes. Both sides wanted control of the city. The cathedral was badly damaged during the war. It was later repaired.

From the 1650s, Lichfield became a busy stop for coaches. It was on the main route between London and Chester. This made it Staffordshire's richest town. In the 18th century, the city became a center for thinkers. Many famous people lived here. These included Samuel Johnson, David Garrick, and Erasmus Darwin. Johnson called Lichfield "a city of philosophers."

Much of the medieval city was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many red-brick Georgian style buildings can still be seen. The city also improved its services. It got underground sewers, paved streets, and gas street lighting.

Recent History

The Industrial Revolution and railways changed Lichfield. In 1837, railways arrived. This meant fewer coaches came through the city. Lichfield did not grow as much as nearby Birmingham.

New houses were built in the 1930s. During World War II, over 2,000 children were sent to Lichfield for safety. The city was not heavily bombed because it had little industry. After the war, many more houses were built. The city's population tripled between 1951 and the late 1980s.

Lichfield has continued to grow. New housing estates have added to the population. There are also plans for new shopping and entertainment areas.

How Lichfield is Governed

Lichfield is part of a constituency that elects a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP represents the people in the UK Parliament.

The current MP for Lichfield is Dave Robertson. He became MP in the 2024 general election.

Lichfield's Location and Landscape

Lichfield is in the south-east of Staffordshire, England. It is about 27 km (17 mi) north of Birmingham. The city sits between Cannock Chase to the west and the Trent and Tame valleys to the east. The ground is mostly red sandstone. This stone is used in many old buildings, like Lichfield Cathedral.

The city has hills and valleys. The highest point is about 134 meters. Two streams flow into the city from the west. These streams have been dammed to form two lakes: Minster Pool and Stowe Pool.

Panorama from Harehurst Hill 1.5 mi (2.4 km) south west of the cathedral, showing Lichfield's distinctive 5 spires

Areas of the City

Who Lives in Lichfield?

In 2021, the population of Lichfield was 34,738. Most people (96.5%) are white. About 66.5% of people are Christian. More than half (51%) of adults over 16 are married. Most people (64%) are employed, and 21% are retired. These numbers are higher than the average for the whole country.

Lichfield's Economy and Jobs

The Tudor Café in Bore Street was built in 1510

Lichfield became wealthy because it was a religious center. Pilgrims came to visit St Chad's shrine. This brought money to the city until the shrine was destroyed during the Reformation.

In the Middle Ages, Lichfield made woollen cloth and leather. The area around the city had many farms.

In the 18th century, Lichfield became a busy coaching center. Many inns and businesses grew to support the coach trade. These included coach builders and saddlers.

When railways were invented, coach travel declined. This hurt Lichfield's economy. By the late 1800s, brewing beer was the main industry. There were also large market gardens. They grew food for nearby cities like Birmingham.

Today, Lichfield has several light industries. No single industry is dominant. Two local companies are famous: Armitage Shanks (baths and showers) and Arthur Price of England (cutlery). Many people who live in Lichfield travel to Birmingham for work.

The city is also home to Central England Co-operative. This is the second largest independent co-operative in the UK.

Culture and Community in Lichfield

Festivals and Events

Lichfield Garrick Theatre was built in 2003

Lichfield Guildhall, completed in 1848

The Lichfield Greenhill Bower happens every year in May. It's a festival that started in the 12th century. A procession with bands and floats goes through the city. The Bower Queen is crowned. There are funfairs in the city center and Beacon Park.

The Lichfield Festival is an international arts festival. It takes place every July. It celebrates classical music, dance, drama, and more. Events happen at the cathedral and the Garrick Theatre. A popular event is the medieval market. The festival ends with fireworks.

Every three years, the Lichfield Mysteries take place. This is a huge community theater event. Over 600 amateur actors perform medieval-style plays. Other summer festivals include a Folk Festival and a Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival.

Lichfield Heritage Weekend is in September. It includes celebrations for Dr Johnson's birthday. There is live music and free historical tours.

Community Places

Beacon Park, in the city centre, hosts a wide range of community events.

Lichfield has many parks and open spaces. Beacon Park is in the city center. It hosts many community events. There are also two lakes, Minster Pool and Stowe Pool. The Garden of Remembrance is a memorial garden from 1920.

The city has two public sports centers. Friary Grange Leisure Centre has a swimming pool and gym. King Edward VI Leisure Centre has sports halls and pitches.

Lichfield Library is now in the renovated St Mary's church on Market Square. The city also has the Samuel Johnson Community Hospital.

Media in Lichfield

Local news and TV shows come from BBC West Midlands and ITV Central.

Local radio stations include BBC Radio WM and Capital Mid-Counties. There are also local newspapers like Lichfield Mercury and Lichfield Live.

Places to Visit in Lichfield

The Hospital of St John Baptist without the Barrs built in 1495 as an almshouse.

The entrance to Cathedral Close at night, with Lichfield Cathedral in the background

The Free Library and Museum

• Lichfield Cathedral: This is the only medieval cathedral in Europe with three spires. Building started in 1195.
• Cathedral Close: This area around the cathedral has many interesting old buildings.
• Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum: A museum about the life of Samuel Johnson.
• Erasmus Darwin House: The home of Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin's grandfather. It's now a museum.
• The Hub at St Mary's: Located in St Mary's Church, it's a community center and library.
• Lichfield Guildhall: A historic building in the city center. It has been used for city government for over 600 years.
• Bishop's Palace: Built in 1687, it was once the Bishop's home. Now it's used by the Cathedral School.
• Hospital of St John Baptist without the Barrs: A unique Tudor building. It was built outside the city walls to house travelers.
• Church of St Chad: A 12th-century church. Nearby is a reconstruction of 'St Chad's Well'.
• St Michael on Greenhill: An old church overlooking the city. Its churchyard is one of the largest in the country.
• The Market Square: In the city center, with statues of Samuel Johnson and his friend James Boswell.
• Beacon Park: A large public park used for sports and fun.
• Minster Pool & Stowe Pool: Two lakes in the heart of Lichfield. Stowe Pool is special because it has rare White-Clawed Crayfish.
• Letocetum: The remains of a Roman stopping point and bath house. It's in the village of Wall, 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of the city.
• Staffordshire Regiment Museum: About 2.5 miles (4 km) east of the city. It shows the history of the Staffordshire Regiment.
• National Memorial Arboretum: About 4 miles (6 km) north-east of the city. It's a national site for remembering those who served in the armed forces.

Getting Around Lichfield

Trains

Lichfield City station is one of the two railway stations in Lichfield

Lichfield has two train stations: Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley. Both are on the Cross-City Line to Birmingham. Trent Valley station is also on the West Coast Main Line. You can get to London Euston in just over an hour from here. Lichfield City station is in the city center. Trent Valley station is about 0.85 mi (1.37 km) north-east of the center.

Buses

Lichfield has regular bus services. The bus station is on Birmingham Road. Buses go to places like Birmingham, Tamworth, and Walsall. Some services also run on Sundays.

Roads

The first section of Lichfield Canal to be re-watered on Tamworth Road

Lichfield is well-connected by roads. Old Roman roads, Watling Street and Ryknild Street, crossed near the city. Today, these are the A5 and A38. The A5 goes west towards Wales. The A38 goes south to Birmingham. The A51 road runs along the west side of the city. The nearest motorway is the M6 Toll, about 2 mi (3.2 km) south.

Canals

The Lichfield Canal was once part of the Wyrley and Essington Canal. It ran south of the city. It was closed in 1955. Work started in the 1990s to restore the canal. The goal is to make it usable again by 2025.

Air Travel

Two airports are close to Lichfield. Birmingham Airport is 20 mi (32 km) south. East Midlands Airport is 34 mi (55 km) north-east.

Education in Lichfield

The main entrance to the Lichfield Campus of Staffordshire University

Maple Hayes School for Dyslexics (2018).

Lichfield has nine primary schools and one infant school. It also has three secondary schools:

• The Friary School
• King Edward VI School (formerly Lichfield Grammar School)
• Nether Stowe School

There are two independent schools:

• Lichfield Cathedral School: For ages 3 to 18.
• Maple Hayes School: A special school for children with dyslexia.

The Lichfield campus of Staffordshire University and South Staffordshire College is located on the Friary. It offers college and university courses. A new school for art, design, and media opened in 2006.

Religion and Beliefs in Lichfield

In the 2011 Census, about 66.5% of people in Lichfield said they were Christian. Lichfield has been important for religion since St Chad built a monastery here in 669 AD.

Most churches in Lichfield are Anglican. There are also two Roman Catholic churches. Other churches include a Methodist church and a United Reformed and Baptist church.

There are five faith schools in the city, all primary schools. These include Church of England and Roman Catholic schools.

Sports in Lichfield

Historically, rugby was more popular than football in Lichfield. Both sports are played at an amateur level. Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club was founded in 1874.

Lichfield City is the local football club. They play at Brownsfield Park. There are also youth football clubs like AFC Lichfield. Lichfield Diamonds LFC is a girls' football club.

Lichfield Cricket Club plays at the Collins Hill Sports Ground. Lichfield Hockey Club also plays there.

Lichfield has four golf courses. These include a public course at Beacon Park. Lichfield Archers is an archery club.

Famous People from Lichfield

Elias Ashmole

Edward Wetenhall

Erasmus Darwin, 1792

Anna Seward

Henry Salt

• Edward Wightman (1566–1612), the last person in England to be burned for heresy.
• Elias Ashmole (1617–1692), a famous collector and founder of the Ashmolean Museum.
• Edward Wetenhall (1636–1713), an English bishop.
• Gregory King (1648–1712), a genealogist and statistician.
• John Floyer (1649–1734), a physician and writer.
• Joseph Addison (1672–1719), an essayist, poet, and politician.
• Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), a famous writer, poet, and dictionary maker.
• David Garrick (1717–1779), a famous actor and playwright.
• Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802), a scientist and inventor, grandfather of Charles Darwin.
• Anna Seward (1742–1809), a romantic poet.
• Henry Salt (1780–1827), an antiquarian who gave Egyptian items to the British Museum.
• Walter Noel Hartley (1845–1913), a chemist and pioneer of spectroscopy.
• Tony Christie (born 1943), a singer.
• Helen Baxendale (born 1970), an actress.
• Siobhan Dillon (born 1984), a singer and actress.
• Michael Lieber (born 1988), a novelist.

Lichfield's Twin Cities

Michael Lieber

Julian Arguelles

Siobhan Dillon 2010

After World War II, Lichfield became twinned with two cities. This was to help build friendships between nations.

• Limburg an der Lahn, Germany
• Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France

See also

In Spanish: Lichfield para niños