Lichfield

Lichfield is a cathedral city and civil parish in Staffordshire, England. It is the administrative centre of the district of Lichfield and lies in the West Midlands region.

Historically, Lichfield grew around an early Christian church established in the 7th century by Saint Chad and later became the seat of a medieval diocese. Lichfield Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Chad, is the city’s principal landmark. It is notable for its three spires, a rare feature among English cathedrals, and for a mixture of early medieval and Gothic architecture.

The city centre retains a compact medieval core with narrow lanes and timber-framed houses. Beacon Park provides a large green space, and the Market Square hosts a daily market and a historic cross.

Notable links include Samuel Johnson (born 1709), whose birthplace in the Market Place is now the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. The Erasmus Darwin House, nearby, commemorates the 18th-century physician and thinker. King Edward VI School, founded in the 16th century, is another historic institution.

Transport and economy: Lichfield has two railway stations, City and Trent Valley, with services to Birmingham, London and other destinations. Major road links include the A5 Watling Street and the A38. The local economy centers on services, retail, education and heritage tourism.

Governance: Lichfield is a city and civil parish in the non-metropolitan district of Lichfield, within Staffordshire. It is served by Lichfield City Council and Staffordshire County Council. The city hosts the annual Lichfield Festival.