AN INTERESTING DAY

I found myself in the pleasant city of Lichfield today and had about three hours to kill.
On my way to find a coffee shop I spotted, above the rooftops and quite close, the cathedral spire.
Now I'm a sucker for ancient buildings so I took a slow walk up Dam St. and over the causeway to indulge myself.
The approach from that quarter is not overly impressive and at first the dull colouring of the stone suggests that this is not a great building. Having come thus far though I decided to take a walk right the way round. I'm very glad I did. The first thing to really get my attention was the statue of Charles II. Who, after Cromwells depredations gave money and timber to restore the building.
The earliest church on the site was built in 700AD. It was replaced by a larger Norman building in the 12th. century. The present Gothic style Cathedral was built 800 years ago.
Around the main entrance are some truly magnificent statues of some of the saints.
Having watched for a while the repair work being carried out on part of the roof I made my way inside.
The stained glass is a wonder to behold.
I had arrived just in time for morning prayers, which were for the disposessed and refugees of the world and for peace in the Middle East.
After chatting for a while with one of the ladies of the church I began my exploration, which had to be brief because I had chatted too long (as I always do).
I went into the South Transept to look at the book of remembrance of the Staffordshire Regiments, a sobering experience.
Then wonder of wonders I learned of two famous individuals who were sons of the area.
David Garrick, the great actor manager and Samuel Johnson. A plaque, put there by David Garrick's widow (or "relict") as was the contemporary term, described him in human terms and was not overly flowery.
I had, by chance increased my knowledge of two great men.
The upkeep of this magnificent place costs around £3000 per day. I was surprised to see in the offertory only two items of paper money, one my own. The remainder consisted of a few low denomination coins. It makes the British, as a nation look rather cheap. It's not just the building.
It's the sense of continuity and of the thousands of hours of work by long dead craftsmen.
The current building took 150 years to complete. If future generations are to enjoy it the work must never stop.
I've just skimmed the surface here but am happy to provide more detailed information if anyone is interested.