Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England.

About Lichfield Cathedral

The cathedral internal length is 370 ft., and the breadth of the nave 68 ft., the central spire is 77m (252') high and the western spires about 58m (190') high.

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The stone is sandstone and came from a quarry on the south side of Lichfield. The walls of the nave lean outwards slightly, this was caused by the weight of stone used in the ceiling vaulting, some 2-300 tons of which was removed during renovation work to prevent the walls leaning further.

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The windows of the Lady Chapel contain some of the finest medieval Flemish painted glass in existence. It came from the Abbey of Herckenrode (now in Belgium) in 1801 having been purchased by Brooke Boothby when that abbey was dissolved during the Napoleonic Wars. It was then sold on to the cathedral for the same price. It dates from the1530s. There are also some fine windows by Betton and Evans (1819), and many fine late 19th century windows, particularly those by Charles Eamer Kempe. Lichfield is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. It is also noted for its longitudinal 'kink' near to the point of the organ. The kink is one and a half degrees and its existence has a number of explanations, all speculative.The Lichfield Gospels are the gospels of Matthew and Mark, and the early part of Luke, written in Latin and dating from around 730. There were originally two volumes but one went missing around the time of the Civil War. It is closely related in style to the Lindisfarne Gospels. The manuscript is on display in the Chapter House from Easter to Christmas. The Close is one of the most complete in the country and includes a medieval courtyard which once housed the men of the choir.The three spires are often referred to as 'the Ladies of the Vale'.

Related Topics:
Medieval - Flemish - Abbey - Herckenrode - Belgium - 1801 - Brooke Boothby - Napoleonic Wars - 1530s - 19th century - Charles Eamer Kempe - Organ - Lichfield Gospels - Latin - 730 - Civil War - Lindisfarne Gospels - Easter - Christmas - Choir

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