Citylife in Lichfield July and August 2020

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Plaques of Lichfield
By Jono Oates
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As the lockdown restrictions start to be lifted we are able to enjoy longer walks
outside and we can take a closer look at some of the history that is sometimes
right under our noses - but we are often too busy to notice!
There are many plaques dotted around the streets of the city centre which, in themselves,
tell a fascinating history of Lichfield and can also provide a lovely circular walking tour.
Start your tour at Donegal House, next to the Lichfield Guildhall on Bore Street (photo
1). The ornate clock was a gift to the city from Mrs Swinfen-Broun of Swinfen Hall. The
clock was gifted in 1928 and although the clock’s internal goings-on have been replaced
over the years, it is still in working order!
Turn down Breadmarket Street and on the left is the birthplace of Elias Ashmole (photo
2). Ashmole was born in 1617. He was a collector of antiques and he donated his collection
to Oxford University, which formed the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, founded in 1683.
Turn left up Market Street and stop by the City Arcade (photo 3). The plaque here tells
about another antiques collector, Richard Greene. Greene was born in Lichfield in 1716 and
was a surgeon and pharmacist. He also collected curiosities and antiques creating a museum
in his home on Market Street. He was a relation of Samuel Johnson and Johnson often
visited Greene’s museum.
At the top of Market Street is Eleven Hair on Bird Street (photo 4), which was the former
home of Thomas Newton, Bishop of Bristol, whose brother Andrew gifted Newton’s
College on Cathedral Close for widows of clergymen and their children to live in.
Turn right down Bird Street and there are plaques on the George Hotel (photo 5). One
of them tells of the 1910 Great Air Race between Frenchman Louis Paulhan and Englishman
Claude Graeme-White. Paulhan eventually won – but the English press claimed he had
cheated!
Walk down Bird Street and turn right along Minster Pool Walk, join Dam
Street and turn right. Probably the most famous plaque is on Brooke House
(photo 6), telling the story of how the Royalist John ‘Dumb’ Dyott shot and
killed the Parliamentarian general, Lord Greville Brooke, on 2nd March in
1643 from his position on the main spire of the cathedral – an amazing
story and an amazing shot!
Finally, stop and look at the plaque on the wall of Bridgeman House on
Dam Street (photo 7). Robert Bridgeman founded his stonemason’s firm in
Quonians Lane in 1879 and produced many sculptures across Lichfield and
the rest of the country. This included many of the statues on the West Front
of Lichfield Cathedral.
Complete your plaques tour on the Market Square… where you should
be able to find your next set on the walls of St Mary’s Church!
*If you would like to take a socially-distanced small group plaques tour
with Jono please email him at jonathan@jonotourism.co.uk or ring him on
07785 757201.
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