Lichfield - Cathedral

Built of red sandstone Lichfield Cathedral is dedicated to St Mary and St Chad. This "queen of English minsters" was built on the site of two earlier churches between 1198 and 1325; the first was built by Bishop Hedda around 700, the second probably around the turn of the century. The oldest part is the lower section of the west end of the choir (c. 1198) and the sacristy completed in 1208. The Early English style transepts date from 1220-1240, the nave from about 1250 and the Early Gothic west front from about 1280.

The Lady Chapel and presbytery are from the first half of the 14th century. The church received severe damage during two sieges in 1643 and 1646, restoration began in 1660 and was completed in 1950 with the restoration of the cross on the central tower. The three elegant spires - a feature unique in England - are known as the "Ladies of the Vale". The west front, notable for the splendid harmony of its composition, is particularly beautiful, with four galleries of niches containing 113 statues of saints; because of the effects of weathering most are modern reproductions. The central door has intricate wrought-iron work by Thomas of Leighton. The entrance to the north aisle, a delicate piece of Early English work, is also very fine.

The interior is notable for its beautiful proportions and the play of color. The capitals in the nave and the triforium are splendid examples of Early-Gothic. In the aisles are numerous monuments, including a tablet commemorating Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762), a pioneer of modern smallpox inoculation. The choir was built in the early English period but partly rebuilt in Decorated style in 1325. The stalls were carved c. 1860 by Samuel Evans of Ellastone, a cousin of George Eliot. In the south aisle is the famous monument of the "Sleeping Children" (1817) by Chantry, the Holy Trinity window above is the original Flemish glass. A medallion commemorates Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802), the botanist, grandfather of Charles Darwin.