Lichfield Cathedral

Ancient cathedral and major medieval pilgrimage centre of St Chad, whose shrine was reinstated in 2022. The site is in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. St Chad established his Mercian episcopal centre at Lichfield in 669.

The first cathedral was consecrated on his burial site in 700; the present Gothic cathedral was largely complete by about 1340. The cathedral’s history is inseparable from St Chad, who came to the region in the seventh century and whose memory helped establish Lichfield as an important early English Christian centre.

The cathedral records an early church associated with Chad and a cathedral consecrated around 700. The present Gothic building was substantially completed by about 1340 and is famous for the three-spired profile that is unusual among English medieval cathedrals. Devotion to St Chad’s relics made Lichfield a major pilgrimage centre.

A new shrine containing a relic of St Chad was consecrated in 2022. Architecturally, the site is associated with Gothic. The site continues to function religiously as well as historically.

Visitors should expect worship and community use to take priority over sightseeing, and should consult the official website for current opening arrangements, service times and any access restrictions.