Lichfield - Cathedral

... More >

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.