The Dean of Lichfield Cathedral has welcomed a recommendation from the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts that cathedrals should receive direct funding from Government.

The recommendation, contained in the Committee's newly-published report on Promoting Participation with the Historic Environment, states: “English cathedrals represent some of our most important architectural heritage yet many of them charge the public for entry. These buildings are expensive to look after and the Department and English Heritage should work together to find ways to fund their conservation so that they can be less reliant on charging for entry, which could deter people from visiting.”

Work on the Herkenrode windows begins in earnest on Monday 20 July. In the first week, a fire-proof screen will be erected at the west end of the Lady Chapel, sealing off everything east of the ends of the quire aisles, from floor to ceiling. After Sunday 19 July it will not be possible to enter (or even see into) the Lady Chapel for a period of up to eighteen months. It will not be possible to use the Lady Chapel for worship during that time, and visitors will be unable to view (for example) the Selwyn Memorial.

The Herkenrode Glass in Lichfield Cathedral

From the end of July 2009 the glorious East End of Lichfield Cathedral will be boarded up in preparation for the removal of the internationally important sixteenth century Herkenrode glass to renovation workshops, and the restoration of masonry which surrounds and supports it. The medieval pinnacles and buttresses are so weathered that the failure of any one buttress could lead to a catastrophic collapse of the wall and roof and the shattering of the glass. The work will take five years and cost an estimated £800,000 to complete.

We will keep you updated of our progress during the renovation but please be aware the Lady Chapel and the Herkenrode glass will be inaccessible.

Second phase of Lichfield InSpires begins as local masonry contractors are appointed

The second phase of Lichfield InSpires began today at Lichfield Cathedral and sees Aldridge based masonry contractor, Midlands Conservation Limited, appointed on the project.

Following the completion of Phase 1 of the project on the South Clerestory, completed in January of this year, Phase 2 will now being on the north side, with work being completed to mirror the masonry of Phase 1.

The Lichfield InSpires project was launched by the Duke of Gloucester on 30 April last year and Phase 2 will restore the upper levels of the Cathedral north side. This will involve scaffolding, hoardings, work compounds and a viewing platform being erected. Access to the Cathedral will not be limited by the work by this phase and local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the full beauty and wonder of this incredible landmark during the majority of 2008. The stone masons' work area will remain on the south side for visitors to enjoy masonry demonstrations throughout the summer months.