Lichfield

Expressandstar.com gets the local knowledge on the area from the people who know best - the locals!

What's it like? "Although its history goes back as far as the Roman fort which was located at Wall, just south of the modern city, Lichfield is dominated by two giants – the cathedral and Samuel Johnson (pictured).

"It's home to England's only medieval cathedral with three spires - the present building was started in 1195 and completed in the 1330s.

"It remains a hidden gem, although the BBC seem to love it – they filmed Songs of Praise for the 2006 Christmas and 2007 Easter editions in the cathedral.

"The city was also the birthplace of Dr Johnson, the writer of the first authoritative Dictionary of the English Language and one of English literatures most influential figures.

"Lichfield's development has been relatively small over the following centuries. The centre retains its historic character, while the surrounding suburbs are mostly well ordered and green."

What's good about it? "The historic buildings make it a pretty place to live. The cathedral is a stunning sight, whatever the time of year, and Lichfield is small, making it easy to get around.

"There are green fields only minutes away, the schools are good, crime is low and yet the transport connections to Birmingham, London and Manchester make it convenient to commute.

"Although the cathedral attracts tourists, visitors do not clog up the streets as in bigger tourist destinations such as Oxford, Stratford or Cambridge.

"The annual Lichfield Festival has pulling power well beyond the size of the city. Eminent US composer Phillip Glass gave a rare piano concert in the cathedral to open the 2007 event."

Any downsides? "While it has retained its character and intimate size, Lichfield may disappoint those looking for noise and excitement - it's not a big pull for nightlife with a limited choice of pubs and eateries and there is no cinema.

"The Garrick Theatre is the biggest venue for entertainment but the shows are mostly touring productions featuring actors from The Bill and comics like Freddie Starr.

"There are also very few clothes shops for younger women.

"Many longstanding residents are concerned about the speed of development, with new housing estates appearing on brownfield sites such as the former Victoria Hospital site as well as greenfield sites around the city centre."

Where's good for going out? "The Olive Tree and Thrales in Tamworth Street are both popular with locals. The Thai Rainbow restaurant in Bird Street is tremendous. On the outskirts, the Shoulder of Mutton has a good menu.

"The George hotel has a comedy night which attracts acts from the London scene while there are a number of decent pubs and bars, like the Paradise Lounge.

Little known facts: The cathedral city is a hotbed for musical talent. Well, it has been home to the bassists from two middling to used-to-be-famous bands: Richie Edwards of the Darkness and Bryn Fowler of the Holloways, according to Wikipedia.

Helen Baxandale, star of Cold Feet and Friends, is from the city, and the poet Philip Larkin's parents' graves are at St Michael's Church.

Average house price: £152,000 (figure taken from mouseprice.com)

Schools: Fantastic choice of schools in the area, including Chadsmead County Primary School and King Edward Vi School.

This review is based on an interview with a Lichfield resident (November 2007).

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