Lichfield

Lichfield is a small city in Staffordshire, 110 miles northwest of London and 14 miles north of Birmingham. Famous for its three-spired Cathedral, Lichfield lies in pleasant country, on a small stream draining eastward to the Trent, with low hills to the east and south. It is the main town in the Lichfield district. The population of the district according to the 2001 census is 93,237; of the city itself 27,900.

Other items of interest

• Legend has it that a thousand Christians were martyred in Lichfield around AD 300, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and that the name 'Lichfield' actually means 'field of the dead'. There is however, no evidence to support this legend.
• In 1553 Queen Mary made Lichfield a county separate from the rest of Staffordshire. It remained so until 1888.
• In 1291 Lichfield was severely damaged by a fire, which destroyed many buildings. In 1690 thatched roofs were banned in Lichfield because of the risk of fire.
• The last person in England to be burnt at the stake for heresy was in Lichfield. Edward Wightman from Burton-upon-Trent was burnt at the stake in the Market Place on 11 April 1612.
• The motto on Lichfield's coat of arms quotes Samuel Johnson's tribute to his native city in his Dictionary, "Salve, magna parens" - "Hail great Mother".
• The Lichfield Diocese covers all of Staffordshire, much of Shropshire and part of the Black Country and West Midlands
• Each year there is an International Arts Festival based primarily around the cathedral. Spin off events include a fringe festival, jazz, blues and Real Ale Festival and a Medieaval Market.
• Lichfield Cricket Club nick-named after the cathedral: 'Three Spires', is a thriving club which plays at Collins Hill.
• There is a statue of Edward Smith, Captain of the Titanic and sister ship Olympic in Beacon Park
• The furthest point in England from high tide mark (including tidal rivers) is between Hammerwich and Wall, to the south west of Lichfield. It is 56 miles from high tide mark.