Lichfield Cathedral Churches

The original Cathedral (this is the third building on the site) was dedicated on Christmas Day in the year AD 700 to house the remains of St Chad, Bishop of the Mercians, who died in 672. Today, Lichfield Cathedral still stands at the heart of the Diocese and is a focus for the regular worship of God, the life of a thriving community, the work of God in the wider world, and for pilgrimage.

The ten bells hung in the southwest tower are one of the finest peals in the country. They were cast by bellfounders John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough in 1947 and given by the Freemasons of Staffordshire to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Cathedral. The wooden frame of 1688 was retained. The tenor is the heaviest bell, weighing 3,537 lbs (1.6 tonnes).

Guided Tours are, normally, arranged between 10.00am and 12.00pm, and 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Tours at other times are possible but could be subject to some disruption! Evening tours are available by special arrangement. Standard tours introduce the visitor to the long history of the Cathedral, highlight some of its more important moments, and visit the main places of interest. Cost: £3.50. You should allow at least one and a quarter hours for your tour.

The Cathedral Coffee Shop is open for hot freshly cooked meals as well as snacks from 9.30am to 4.45pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12.00pm until 4.45pm on Sundays. Booking is advisable for a meal on Sundays: the telephone number is 01543 306125. The Coffee Shop is open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday.