Lichfield
Lichfield maps (2 available)
Map of Staffordshire
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
See this old map of Staffordshire
Personalised maps
Create an historic map centred directly on any postcode!
Lichfield books (4 available)
Lichfield memories
Read and share memories of Lichfield and Staffordshire inspired by Frith photos
More Foggy Beacon Park
I also remember a foggy Beacon Park, probably 1954. I used to live in the Close, my father being a minor canon, and went to a nursery school (Mrs Allen's) on the other side of the park. I think that one of my parents would bring me to the park gates near the Close and then I would walk across the park to school on my own, yes, at the age of four, but we did that in those days. Later I went to St Christopher's School in Alrewas and would take the bus from outside what used to be the cinema just around from the Market Square. I would travel on my own with a friend, ...read more here
Contributed by Gerald Wilson
Foggy Beacon Park
When I was 5 yrs old I can vividly remeber getting lost in Beacon Park in a real pea souper with friends from the farm in the Sandford Street corner of the park and also remember digging old stone jars up from the brook that runs through the park!
Contributed by frank clarke
Ivison's florist's shop in the market square
My parents had a florist's shop in Market square from 1932 -1962, I can see our Morris van parked on the square, with the Interflora logo & our name clearly shown. I was out in Egypt serving National Service when this photo was taken, but the cars & fashions pictured take me back to that era in sleepy Lichfield. The statue of Dr. Johnson is still in the square, but all the shops have changed & the square is just being resurfaced. I now still have a florist's shop in Bird Street Lichfield. Has anyone any more memories of Lichfield fifty years ago?
Contributed by JOHN IVISON
Friends in Lichfield
First of many visits to Lichfield which led to my affection with this city, that my fther had spent time in during his RAF days at Lichfield Drome in 1942. Many friends and contacts were made here.
A lovely place! There are many changes now in 2006.
John Yarnall, Rugeley.
Contributed by john Yarnall
Lichfield
Drifted past this page for a first time on a wet Saturday.
In the right hand side of this photo is the The Dolly Posh n Dandy coffee bar. Part clothing, part coke and coffee cafe - a well known hang out, smoking and meeting place for King Edwards and Friary pupils. Anybody else remember this short lived enterprise? Do any other photos exist?
I guess this dates this 1968/9 rather than 1965. Also what a ghastly piece of town centre planning (typical of Staffordshire in the 1960s) the shopping centre was/is - apparently the Victorian buildings that were replaced by this concrete nightmare were full of character and charm.
Contributed by Chris Grayer
Extracts From Lichfield & Staffordshire books
The west front of Lichfield Cathedral dates from the Decorated period, but most of this amazing display of sculpture is Victorian – only five statues high up on the north-west tower are original. The central doors have beautiful scrolled wrought iron hinges dating from c1300. During the Civil War, the cathedral and the close were held for the King; the rest of the city declared for Parliament.
An extract from from"50 Classics - Cathedrals".
Work on Lichfield Cathedral began in the late 12th century, and took about 150 years to complete, though additional work was undertaken during the 15th century. The three stone spires are known as the Ladies of the Vale. The cathedral was badly damaged during the Civil War: the central spire was all but destroyed, and much of the building was left roofless.
An extract from from"50 Classics - Cathedrals".
The Shropshire Union Canal, engineered by Thomas Telford and con-
structed between 1827 and 1835, was the last of the major canals. It linked
Birmingham to the Mersey, and was built in a more direct line than previous
canals, sometimes through deep cuttings, to reduce distances in an attempt to
compete with railways. The Boat Inn stands beside the bridge.
An extract from from"Stafford Living Memories Pocket Album".
The Shropshire Union Canal, engineered by Thomas Telford and con-
structed between 1827 and 1835, was the last of the major canals. It linked
Birmingham to the Mersey, and was built in a more direct line than previous
canals, sometimes through deep cuttings, to reduce distances in an attempt to
compete with railways. The Boat Inn stands beside the bridge.
An extract from from"Stafford Living Memories Pocket Album".
One of the few thatched buildings in the area, the Duke’s Head is no longer
a public house. It has recently been renovated, and the timber-frame, probably
dating from the 16th century, is now exposed. For centuries Gnosall was a
small agricultural village, but in the 19th century many of the villagers also
made shoes for the Stafford shoe manufacturers.
An extract from from"Stafford Living Memories Pocket Album".