The twentieth century saw the same attention to detail, in each generation, as in previous periods. First there were changes in the Sanctuary. The statues in the niches of the reredos of the High Altar were placed there in 1902 and are not part of Scott’s original design.  In 1914, his imaginative work in the sedilia to the south of the altar was matched by new work to the north.  Next, the Organ was re-sited. Scott had placed it in St Stephen’s Chapel, with the manual in the choir aisle.  In 1907, it was re-sited high up above the aisle, in the Choir itself. The Organ was restored in 1974, and, when eucharistic worship moved to the Nave, in the 1980s, a television camera was installed so that the organist might keep in touch with the choir. More recently, the Music Campaign, of the late ‘90s,  enabled the complete restoration of the Organ and the addition of a nave extension.

Restoration work in the 1950s

Using its architect, George Pace, the Dean and Chapter continued to carry out extensive restoration work in the 1950s.  A 750th-anniversary appeal, in 1946, allowed work to take place on the buttresses of the north nave wall, and the paving of the Close.  In 1957, nearly a quarter of a million pounds was raised, the central spire rebuilt and the roofing considerably improved.  The south transept and buttresses once again received attention.  Inside, St Michael’s Chapel was redesigned as the military chapel of the Staffordshire Regiment.

A notable addition, in 1958, was the bust of Bishop Woods by Sir Jacob Epstein.  In 1989, this was re-sited at the end of the vestibule, where he encourages a prayerful preparation for the daily worship, led by the choir.  The three medieval wall paintings were all restored in the 1980s, and the year 1987 saw the launching of an appeal and of a ten-year programme of repair, which has ensured that the Cathedral is in good order and ready to receive an increasing number of visitors well into the twenty-first century. The work began with the vaulting, which was cleaned, limewashed and decorated, bringing much more light into the Cathedral, and continued with the towers and spires,the lighting conductors and fire precautions in the roof space. All this has enhanced its beauty and increased its ability to continue the work of God.

Worship God, support the faithful and serve the people

A Christian community gathered here 1300 years ago and has served God and His people ever since.  Through the years this religious activity has changed in emphasis and changes have resulted in the building and its furnishings.  The present Cathedral is an intriguing record of the life of the Christian community.For the many visitors who need interpretation of this record the Visitors’ Study Centre in the old Muniment Room at the south-east end of the Close offers a welcome, hospitality and information.  With a bookshop and tea room nearby and the increasing use of the Cathedral for the performance of great music and lay diocesan and county services, Lichfield Cathedral continues to worship God, support the faithful and serve the people, as it ever has.