St Mary’s bells to ring out again in Lichfield with re-opening of Tower after eight years
Lichfield’s historic Tower of St Mary’s in the city’s Market Square is reopening to the public after eight years - thanks to funding received from the HS2 Community and Environment Fund.
The Hub at St Mary’s has announced that a £56,000 grant from HS2’s Community and Environment Fund (CEF) has enabled necessary repair work and renovation, ensuring that the tower is once again safe for public visits.
The CEF has been created by HS2 to add benefit to communities along the route that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of HS2.
Initially, three Tower Tours will be available on Saturdays at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm with this being extended to additional days through the summer.
Tours will begin for adults and children aged 10 years plus. Visitors will climb the 144 steps, leading to the viewing platform at the base of the spire for stunning panoramic views of Lichfield and surrounding counties.
As part of the two-year, £85,000 project, the historic bells have also been refurbished and the project will see the establishment of a ‘Bell Ringing Learning Centre’. The bells will be rung on special occasions and will be using the very latest technology to ensure that local residents will not be able to hear the bells during practice sessions.
The Hub CEO, Louise Fleming said: "We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to tour the Tower and enjoy the spectacular views for the first time since 2017.
“It’s very exciting to be able to hear the bells of St Mary’s once again. This has been possible with the help and support of local bell ringing volunteers from the Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconry Society of Change Ringers."
The clock at St Mary’s has already been restored and both locals and visitors are now enjoying the return of the once familiar sound of the Market Square clock striking.
Helen Wass, Head of Historic Environment at HS2 Ltd, said: "HS2’s wider historic environment programme is the largest in the UK and seeks to advance our understanding of the past, creating knowledge, engaging communities and leaving a lasting legacy.
“We are delighted that funding for the restoration of the Tower of St Mary’s has enabled the local community to celebrate their heritage, safely enjoy the magnificent views of Lichfield and for the facility to become a centre of excellence for bell-ringing."
Extra funding to support the heritage project work has been gratefully received from Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, Lichfield Conduit Lands Trust, Lichfield City Council CIL Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and the UKSPF fund.
Booking in advance is recommended via the Hub website or people can book on the day at the Hub Coffee Shop if space is available.
