Located on the south side of the market square in the city centre of Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, St Mary's Church offers a fascinating blend of history and modern community life. While a church has reputedly occupied this site since around 1150, the current Victorian Gothic building was completed in 1870 using Derbyshire sandstone.
Recognized as a Grade II* listed building, it features a lower section incorporating part of a tower dating back to 1853 and a historical north chapel dedicated to the Dyott family, owners of Freeford Manor. The site carries deep historical roots; Samuel Johnson’s 1566-period church register entry records his baptism here, which he likely observed while growing up right across the square.
Today, after major remodelling efforts in the 1980s, late 1990s, and a £1.8 million renovation in 2018, the repurposed space serves multiple functions. When you visit, you can browse the ground floor, which houses the Lichfield Library and Tourist Information, or head up to the top floor's center, 'The Hub at St Mary's,' featuring a specialty coffee shop, art gallery, treasury exhibition, and performing arts space.
What to see at St Mary's Church, Lichfield
- Victorian Gothic Derbyshire sandstone architecture completed in 1870
- Historical Dyott Chapel preserved for family burials and occasional services
- Lichfield Library and Tourist Information center on the ground floor
- The Hub at St Mary's featuring a specialty coffee shop, art gallery, and performance space
- Historic connection to author Samuel Johnson, who was baptized at the site
Visiting tips
Head up to the top floor to enjoy a drink at the specialty coffee shop while checking out the art gallery and treasury exhibition.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
St Mary's Church, Lichfield is easy to reach on Lichfield’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Letocetum and All Saints Church, Alrewas. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lichfield travel guide.
See the full Lichfield travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.