Gift your dormant jewellery to save the Herkenrode Windows of Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is issuing a unique invitation to the women of the West Midlands (and beyond) to help save its spectacular Lady Chapel windows.

These wonderful renaissance glass works were originally installed in the Flemish Abbey of Herkenrode and were brought to Lichfield in 1802. The glass constitutes one of the most important treasures in the whole of Europe.

On Saturday 11th September 2010 the Cathedral invites women of all ages (and their families) to come to Lichfield and donate pieces of jewellery that they no longer use or wear. It might be jewellery from a previous relationship or an item inherited or passed from a relative or friend. The day is a celebration of womanhood: the opportunity to give away a special treasure and be part of an act of worship and period of reflection on memories, love, relationships and life's experience.

The gifts of jewellery will help fund the urgent conservation and repair of the Lady Chapel windows. Truly this will be treasure exchanged for the long term security of a remarkable treasure.

Queen Elizabeth 1st saved English Cathedrals for the nation. She will be represented by Lesley Smith of Tutbury Castle on September 11, and so, by the force of re-enactment, Queen Elizabeth will be present to receive the gifts, seated in state, with a wooden treasure chest at her side guarded by four knights in armour.

The Cathedral welcomes gifts of gold, silver, precious and semi precious stones, costume and damaged jewellery. Everyone who makes an offering will be asked to sign a great book which will form part of the Cathedral's archives and will be recorded as part of the Cathedral's history.

There will be a Service of Thanksgiving at 2:30pm to celebrate the good days and happiness the jewellery represents - a positive and healing service of joy and celebration.

Welcoming the initiative, the Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, the Very Revd. Adrian Dorber said "The glass is intrinsically linked with womanhood. It was made for the sisters of Herkenrode Abbey. They were a wealthy community and as each sister entered the Abbey she brought a dowry from her family. Now we are asking the women of the region to make a positive gift to Lichfield Cathedral of pieces of jewellery they no longer need or wear. It is a beautiful way of saving the glass – treasure to save a treasure. Everyone knows that relationships are often sealed with the exchange of gifts. But when they end or fragment there are memories, good or painful that cause either happiness or sorrow. We hope this occasion will help celebrate the good and help to heal the hurt. By making a gift of jewellery donors will be saving a European treasure and blending their own individual story with that of Lichfield Cathedral.

The service will have some uplifting hymns and will form a link in time with other women who have worshipped in Lichfield Cathedral over the centuries.

When the glass is fully repaired it will look as fresh and spectacular as when it was first installed. All who have donated their gifts of jewellery will know they will have contributed to a set of windows that are unique to England and are of European significance."

All are invited to come at any point between 1:00pm to 4:00pm to sign the book, meet Queen Elizabeth 1st and take part in the celebratory thanksgiving service which starts at 2:30pm.

Download the poster for the Treasure for Treasure event. Why not get a group together and come along to the Cathedral and enjoy the day?

Chapters Restaurant will be serving a special celebratory menu on the day.

If you require any further information please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01543 306100.