Lichfield Tourist Attractions
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Lichfield, about 25mi/40km north of the City of Birmingham, is a quiet and attractive town. Its main attractions are the superb cathedral and its associations with Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), the English writer who published his two-volume "Dictionary of the English Language" 1746-1755. Until the publication of the "Oxford English Dictionary" (1884) it was the definitive work on vocabulary and pronunciation.Lichfield is an ideal location for country walks and cycling, a visit to the nature reserve or a place to watch the boats going through the locks.
Cathedral
A prominent church built from red sandstone, Lichfield Cathedral is famous for its three spires which are referred to as the "Ladies of the Vale".
Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel was built in 1324 probably after plans by William of Eyton in Decorated style. The nine beautiful stained glass windows depict scenes from the Passion. Seven of them were brought to Lichfield in 1802 from the Cistercian abbey of Herkenrode near Liège. The two most westerly windows are also Flemish work.
Chapterhouse Library
Above the elegant chapterhouse of 1240 is the library, whose greatest treasures are the Irish manuscript gospel "St Chad's Gospel" of 721 and a manuscript of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales".
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
The Johnson Birthplace Museum is opposite the market square in Breadmarket Street. The house in which the famous lexicographer was born the son of a bookseller contains personal memorabilia, books and secondary literature.
Heritage Exhibition & Treasury
Opened in 1981 in St Mary's church the Lichfield Heritage and Treasury Center illustrates the history of the town (costumes, silver, audio-visual display).A viewing platform offers spectacular views over the city and countryside.
Surroundings
Staffordshire Regimental Museum
The Staffordshire Regimental Museum contains numerous uniforms, coats of arms and medals of the North and South Staffordshire regiments.
Lichfield Festival
This annual 10-day festival takes place in mid-July. Events include jazz and classical concerts, film screenings, plays, recitals, show jumping competitions, exhibitions and discussions.The repertoire also ranges from classical and traditional to contemporary.Discussion groups are usually led by a different international composer every year.The highlight is a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the city.There are at least four events held every day, in venues ranging from the cathedral and civic hall to Beacon Park.
Wall (Letocetum) Roman Site
Wall (Letocetum) Roman Site, near Lichfield, is a National Trust site in the guardianship of English Heritage. It features remains of a Roman staging post, including foundations of an inn and bath house. There is also a museum.
Darwin Walk
A 10mile walk demonstrating the local flora and fauna of the past 200 years has been set up.
